A major political storm erupted in West Bengal after the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) issued demolition notices over alleged illegal constructions at properties linked to Abhishek Banerjee, the General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The notices, served under Section 400(1) of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, directed the demolition of allegedly unauthorised portions within seven days, failing which the civic body warned it could carry out the demolition itself using bulldozers.
The notices were issued to two addresses in Ward No. 73 under Borough-IX - 188A Harish Mukherjee Road, linked to the firm 'Leaps and Bounds Private Limited,' and 121 Kalighat Road, associated with Abhishek's mother, Lata Banerjee. According to the civic body, several portions of the buildings allegedly deviated from sanctioned plans and required immediate corrective action.
The development triggered sharp reactions from the TMC. Speaking during a closed-door meeting with party legislators at Kalighat on Tuesday, Abhishek hit back strongly at the state government and the civic action.
"Let them do whatever they want. Let them demolish my house; let them send notices. I will never bow before such tactics," he declared, accusing the BJP government of pursuing "vindictive politics."
Without directly naming Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Abhishek launched a fierce attack on the new administration, stating that Bengal had "never before witnessed a Chief Minister with such a mindset." Referring to the Narada sting controversy, he further remarked, "The person who was caught on camera accepting money in broad daylight has today become the Chief Minister of the state."
The notices, both dated May 18, instructed the owners to either demolish the allegedly unauthorised sections within a week or show cause as to why the structures should not be removed. The KMC also sought submission of "as-built drawings" and structural details, including specifications related to elevators and escalators, within the stipulated timeframe.
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Municipal sources indicated that nearly 17 properties allegedly linked to Abhishek are currently under scrutiny, though notices have so far been served only to the Harish Mukherjee Road and Kalighat Road addresses. Among them, the multi-storied residence named 'Shantiniketan' on Harish Mukherjee Road - where Abhishek resides with his family - has particularly drawn public attention.
The civic action has acquired major political significance as it comes only days after the change of power in the state, despite the KMC itself remaining under TMC's control. Political observers described the move as unprecedented, with many questioning whether the municipal administration still functions entirely under the influence of the Mamata-Abhishek leadership.
Meanwhile, Firhad Hakim, Mayor of Kolkata, distanced himself from the controversy while responding to questions from reporters.
"We are policy makers. I am a policy maker. I have no knowledge regarding this specific matter. Such issues fall under the jurisdiction of the Borough Administration," he said.
The Mayor's remarks sparked fresh debate within political circles, with many expressing surprise that the city's top civic authority claimed ignorance regarding notices served to one of the most prominent leaders of the ruling municipal establishment.
The TMC has signaled that it is prepared to challenge the notices both politically and legally, framing the action as part of a broader "bulldozer policy" allegedly being pursued by the BJP-led state government against opposition leaders.