A confrontation erupted at Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee’s office on Camac Street on Thursday after Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, accompanied by police, moved to dismantle a billboard that the civic body termed “unauthorised”. The action triggered a scuffle involving Banerjee’s private security personnel, party supporters and police officers, with several people detained for allegedly obstructing public servants. The billboard, carrying TMC signage, stood on an iron structure on the top floor of the building and was eventually dismantled after a reinforced police contingent entered the premises and reached the roof. The operation came after Kolkata Police lodged a suo motu complaint with the KMC over the alleged illegal installation. Civic officials maintained that the removal was being carried out under municipal regulations.
TMC alleges assault
The TMC accused the police and civic officials of barging into the office with an “illegal” notice and alleged that senior leaders, supporters and office staff were heckled and assaulted. The party also claimed that the clothes of women security personnel were torn during the confrontation. Banerjee, who was present at the office, questioned the authority of the officials and demanded to see the order authorising the action. He described the operation as “political vendetta” and alleged that the BJP-led administration was targeting the TMC by restricting its political activities and removing party offices and billboards.
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien and former councillor Baiswanar Chatterjee were among those seen resisting the entry of the officials. O’Brien stumbled on the staircase amid the commotion. Videos from the premises showed police personnel being pushed and shoved as they attempted to move towards the upper floors. The initial team reportedly left after Banerjee and his supporters challenged the validity of the order and returned later with a fresh order and additional police personnel.
Banerjee threatens legal challenge
Banerjee questioned why the authorities had singled out his office when other billboards and structures remained in place on Camac Street and alleged that similar action had not been taken against advertisements linked to the BJP. He also disputed the officials’ claim that the premises were being inspected, pointing to the presence of a gas cutter among the equipment brought by the team. Banerjee argued that the authorities could not forcibly enter private property and dismantle a structure without due process, and said the TMC would approach the Calcutta High Court if necessary.
He also announced plans to complain to the Chief Justice of the high court. “No one is above the Constitution,” Banerjee said while challenging the authorities to justify the action. Following the removal of the billboard, a sizeable police contingent remained deployed outside the building as TMC supporters gathered and raised “Jai Bangla” slogans. The confrontation has added another flashpoint between the ruling party in West Bengal and the opposition BJP, with the dispute over a municipal enforcement action quickly turning into a wider political confrontation.