Bulldozer action outside Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata home follows recent political clashes

Municipal workers deployed a bulldozer outside the Kolkata residence of Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday, removing a makeshift tin shade on the footpath and an iron boundary gate. A large team of Kolkata Police officers and central forces guarded the property at 121, Kalighat Road while workers used a gas cutter to dismantle the gate over claims that it blocked pedestrian space.

Background

The demolition happened just days after a violent clash broke out in front of the house on November 7. Mr. Banerjee, who serves as the Diamond Harbour MP, posted a video on social media showing a mob attacking the property with sticks and tearing down banners, claiming it was the seventh attempt on his life in six months and blaming BJP workers. TMC supporters had gathered there for his birthday, but a rival group of BJP supporters arrived and shouted slogans, leading to a fight between the two sides.

Reactions

Before the demolition, TMC spokesperson Arka Nag told reporters that the administration might target the shed and accused authorities of trying to silence the party leader. Mr. Nag stated that security forces had originally built the shed when Mr. Banerjee had Z-plus security cover to house his guards. Following the civic action, Mr. Banerjee posted on X that no bulldozer could stop his resolve, vowing to keep fighting.

Context

Local civic bodies frequently carry out anti-encroachment drives to clear public footpaths and roads of unauthorized structures. Such actions often draw sharp political reactions when they involve prominent political figures or offices, reflecting intense rivalries between opposing political parties.