Moloy Ghatak is one of the well-known faces in West Bengal politics. Born on 11 May 1956, he is now 69 years old. Over the years, he has built a career that combines law and politics. He started as a lawyer in Asansol and later became a strong leader in the Trinamool Congress (TMC). His journey shows how a person can move from the courtroom to the assembly hall, and from handling legal cases to shaping laws for the state.
For more than a decade, Ghatak served as the Law and Labour Minister in West Bengal. He was trusted by Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister, and played a key role in strengthening the party in Asansol. But politics is never smooth. In March 2026, he was removed from the law ministry after facing criticism for weak performance. Even with this setback, his long career and influence in West Bengal politics remain important.
Moloy Ghatak Age, Caste, Wife, Family, Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Moloy Ghatak |
| Date of Birth | 11 May 1956 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 69 years |
| Birthplace | Ukhra, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Ethnicity | Bengali |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Caste | Brahmin |
| Education | – Ramkrishna Mission High School – B.A. in Political Science, Ananda Chandra College, Jalpaiguri – LLB, Jogesh Chandra Choudhuri Law College, University of Calcutta (1982) |
| Profession | Lawyer, Politician |
| Political Party | Trinamool Congress (TMC) |
| Political Career | – MLA from Hirapur (2001) – MLA from Asansol Uttar (2011, 2016, 2021) – Agriculture Minister (2012) – Law & Labour Minister (2014–2026) – Briefly PWD Minister (2021–22) |
| Known For | Senior TMC leader, close associate of Mamata Banerjee, strong presence in Asansol |
| Father | Phani Bhusan Ghatak (Lawyer) |
| Mother | Not publicly known |
| Siblings | Four brothers (including Abhijit “Fuchu” and Ashim Ghatak) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Sudeshna Ghatak (married on 29 May 1987) |
| Children | Son – Avik Ghatak; Daughter-in-law – Amrapalli Karan; Grandson – Adi |
| Net Worth (2021) | Approx. ₹1.39 crore |
| Assets | Movable: Cash, deposits, jewellery, insurance Immovable: Residential buildings worth ₹20 lakh |
| Salary (2021) | ₹7,09,636 as MLA |
| Food Habits | Non-vegetarian |
| Controversies | – Dispute with Dola Sen (2014) – CBI & ED investigations (2022) – Office vandalized (2025) – Removed from Law Ministry (2026) |
| Wikipedia | @Moloy_Ghatak |
Early Life and Background
On 11 May 1956, Moloy was born in Ukhra, a small town in Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal. His father, Phani Bhusan Ghatak, was a lawyer, and this had a big impact on him. Growing up in a family where law and politics were common topics, Moloy developed an interest in public life early on. His brothers also followed similar paths, with some becoming lawyers and others entering politics.
His childhood was shaped by the culture of Bengal and the values of his family. He grew up in a middle-class household where education and discipline were given importance. This background helped him later when he had to balance the demands of politics with the principles of law.
Education and Academic Journey
Moloy Ghatak studied at Ramkrishna Mission High School, where he built a strong foundation in academics. Later, he went to Ananda Chandra College in Jalpaiguri and completed his graduation in Political Science. His choice of subject showed his interest in governance and public affairs.
After graduation, he moved to Kolkata to study law. He joined Jogesh Chandra Choudhuri Law College under the University of Calcutta and completed his LLB degree in 1982. This was a turning point in his life. With a law degree in hand, he started his career as a lawyer in Asansol. His education gave him both knowledge and confidence, which later helped him in his political journey.
Professional Career as a Lawyer
Before stepping into politics, Moloy built his career as a lawyer in Asansol. After completing his law degree in 1982, he began practicing at the Asansol court. His sharp understanding of legal matters and his ability to argue cases made him well known in the local legal community. He was respected for his dedication and his strong grasp of the law.
Working as a lawyer gave him a close look at the problems faced by ordinary people. He dealt with cases that reflected the struggles of workers, families, and small businesses. This experience shaped his thinking and gave him a practical view of society. Many believe that his years in the courtroom helped him later when he had to make laws and policies as a minister.
Political Entry and Rise
Ghatak’s political journey began with the Congress Party. He was closely associated with Mamata Banerjee during her Congress years. When Mamata left Congress and formed the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in 1998, Ghatak joined her as one of the founding members. This decision changed his life, as it placed him at the heart of a new political movement in West Bengal.
In the early years of TMC, Ghatak worked hard to build the party’s base in Asansol and Paschim Bardhaman. He was known for his ability to connect with local people and understand their needs. His strong presence in the region made him a key figure in the party’s growth. Over time, he became one of Mamata Banerjee’s trusted leaders, often called upon to handle important campaigns.
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Electoral Journey and Key Milestones
Ghatak’s first big success came in 2001 when he was elected as an MLA from Hirapur. This victory gave him recognition as a serious political leader. However, politics is full of ups and downs. In 2006, he lost his seat, which was a setback. But he did not give up.
In 2011, he made a strong comeback by winning from Asansol Uttar. He repeated his success in 2016 and again in 2021, proving that he had a loyal voter base. His repeated victories showed that people trusted him to represent their interests.
Ministerial Roles and Achievements
Ghatak’s political career reached its peak when he was appointed as a minister in the West Bengal government. In 2012, Moloy briefly served as the Agriculture Minister. Soon after, he was given charge of the Law and Labour Ministry, a position he held for more than a decade. This long tenure showed the trust Mamata Banerjee placed in him.
As Law Minister, Ghatak was responsible for handling legal matters of the state. He oversaw the drafting of laws and managed the relationship between the government and the courts. As Labour Minister, he worked on policies related to workers, wages, and employment. In 2021, he was also given the Public Works Department (PWD) portfolio for a short time, which added to his responsibilities.
Controversies and Challenges
In 2014, he had a public dispute with fellow TMC leader Dola Sen during the Lok Sabha elections. This incident showed the internal tensions within the party. In 2022, his name came up in investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Another challenge came in 2025 when his office was vandalized by a mentally challenged youth. In March 2026, Mamata Banerjee removed him from the law ministry, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with his performance. This was a major setback for him after years of holding the post.
Personal Life and Family
Behind the public image of Moloy lies a family story that is both inspiring and emotional. He married Sudeshna Ghatak on 29 May 1987, and together they built a life rooted in tradition and values. The couple has a son, Avik Ghatak, who is married to Amrapalli Karan. They also have a grandson named Adi, who brings joy to the family.
Moloy’s father, Phani Bhusan Ghatak, was a lawyer, and his influence shaped Moloy’s early years. His brothers also followed similar paths, with some becoming lawyers and others entering politics. However, the family has faced tragedies too. In 2017, his brother Ashim went missing, and in 2019, two family members, Jayshree and Nilam Ghatak, passed away.
Assets, Net Worth, and Lifestyle
Ghatak’s financial details give a clear picture of his life as a politician. Till 2021, his declared net worth was around ₹1.39 crore. His movable assets included cash, bank deposits, jewellery, and insurance policies. He also owned immovable property, including residential buildings worth about ₹20 lakh. These figures show that while he is a senior politician, his wealth is modest compared to many others in Indian politics.
His salary as an MLA was reported to be ₹7,09,636 in 2021. This income, along with his assets, reflects a middle-class lifestyle. He is known to be non-vegetarian and enjoys simple food habits. His lifestyle choices show that he has remained connected to his roots, even after years in politics.
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