A political controversy has arisen in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, following the issuance of a demolition notice for the office of Abhishek Banerjee, National General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Member of Parliament. The notice, affixed to the building located on Amtala–Baruipur Road, cites that the structure was allegedly constructed without the necessary permissions.

Local authorities have indicated that they are preparing to initiate a demolition drive at the site, which is reportedly scheduled for Saturday. There are indications that heavy machinery, including bulldozers, may be utilised during the operation. The decision has prompted increased security measures in the vicinity, with police and administrative personnel stationed in the area to maintain public order amid rising tensions.

From early Saturday morning, crowds began to gather around the office, comprising local residents and TMC party workers keenly watching the developments. As of this reporting, no official statements have been issued by either Abhishek Banerjee’s office or the Trinamool Congress regarding the demolition notice or the associated actions.

Background on Property Disputes Involving Banerjee

This latest incident follows a series of concerning developments regarding various properties associated with Abhishek Banerjee. In previous months, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) had issued demolition notices to 17 properties linked to Banerjee, his family members, and his business, Leaps and Bounds. This included Banerjee’s private residence, ‘Shantiniketan’, situated on Harish Mukherjee Road.

The political landscape has further intensified, as the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released a list of 43 properties it claims are connected to the Diamond Harbour MP, alleging that several are jointly owned by individuals within his circle. These claims are drawn from the property records of the Kolkata civic body, contributing to the ongoing scrutiny of Banerjee’s assets.

In response to the BJP’s assertions, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale has challenged the legitimacy of the claims. Gokhale contended that the database included multiple individuals named “Abhishek Banerjee” across various contexts, suggesting that it does not conclusively prove ownership or affiliation with the TMC leader.

Broader Context of Property-Related Crackdowns

The issue of property-related actions against TMC leaders has escalated significantly since the BJP’s victory over the long-standing Trinamool Congress regime in West Bengal during the Assembly elections. The ruling party has faced various allegations of property irregularities, which have resulted in scrutiny and legal actions against several of its members.

This month, a café allegedly erected on encroached land, linked to Saokat Molla, a senior TMC leader, was also demolished in South 24 Parganas. Such actions illustrate a broader trend of targeting properties associated with TMC officials amidst ongoing political friction in the state.

The unfolding situation concerning Banerjee’s office is emblematic of the intensified political struggles within West Bengal, as both parties navigate the complexities of governance and allegations of misconduct. Observers are watching closely to see how these developments will impact the local political landscape in the coming days.

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