Abhishek Banerjees Bamboo Structure Removed by KMC Amid Controversy

Kolkata, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) workers, assisted by police, dismantled a temporary bamboo structure outside the residence of Abhishek Banerjee, the All India Trinamool Congress General Secretary and MP for Diamond Harbour, on Thursday. The operation took place in Kalighat, South Kolkata.

The removal of the bamboo structure began on Wednesday evening, initiated by Trinamool Congress workers. However, it was completed on Thursday morning when KMC officials arrived with bulldozers to tear down the structure. The entire operation was conducted under heavy police presence to prevent any escalation of tensions.

In addition to the bamboo structure, an iron gate that had long been installed outside the boundary wall of Banerjee’s residence was also taken down. KMC workers used a gas cutter to remove the gate, which local residents had complained was encroaching on the footpath.

Trinamool Congress spokesperson Ark Kumar Nag, who is also one of Banerjee’s lawyers, stated that the removal process was initiated at the MP’s direction. He explained that the temporary structure was originally set up for police personnel during a previous ‘Z-plus’ security arrangement for Banerjee. Following a change in security status, the structure was deemed unnecessary, leading to its removal.

The structure had been a topic of contention in recent days, particularly following celebrations for Banerjee’s birthday on November 6 and 7, which had heightened tensions in Kalighat. Many people were seen gathering under the temporary shelter, leading to complaints from local residents about the obstruction it posed to pedestrians.

On Wednesday, Banerjee accused Kolkata police of maintaining constant surveillance around his home and spying on him. Shortly after his remarks, Trinamool Congress workers began dismantling the bamboo structure, a process that KMC staff completed with police assistance the following morning.