Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Nov 12: Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials on Thursday morning removed a temporary bamboo structure erected on the footpath outside Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kalighat, citing inconvenience to pedestrians.

Civic officials arrived at the spot with a bulldozer and dumper to clear the structure. The removal process reportedly began on Wednesday night and was completed on Thursday morning. A large contingent of central forces was deployed outside Banerjee's residence ahead of the civic body's action.

The removal comes days after clashes broke out between BJP and TMC workers outside the MP's residence during celebrations marking his 39th birthday. An altercation reportedly escalated into scuffles and stone-pelting.

KMC officials said the temporary bamboo structure had obstructed the footpath, causing inconvenience to local residents and pedestrians. The civic body's action took place amid heightened security following the recent clashes.

Following the incident, Abhishek Banerjee alleged that there had been an attempt on his life and accused BJP supporters of vandalising a nearby TMC office. He also alleged that Kolkata Police personnel were conducting surveillance around his residence and sought the intervention of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

In a post on X, Banerjee claimed that police personnel were using official vehicles to monitor his movements and keep watch on his residence. He also referred to an earlier incident on November 7, alleging that a group of people had attacked him. He questioned why no arrests had been made despite four days having passed.

On Wednesday, Banerjee further alleged that unidentified persons had been conducting reconnaissance around his office and residence for two days. He claimed that when confronted, they identified themselves as police personnel and questioned who had authorised the alleged surveillance.

Hours later, he claimed that his residence had been attacked around 2 am and accused BJP supporters of being involved, while alleging that the Kolkata Police had failed to prevent the incident. These allegations have not been independently established.

The developments also prompted TMC leader Mamata Banerjee to join her nephew in a protest outside his Kalighat residence. She reached the spot later in the morning and staged a demonstration with him.

West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh dismissed Abhishek Banerjee's allegations, describing them as an attempt to mislead people. He questioned the claims of an attack and said that holding birthday celebrations on a public footpath could inconvenience people and invite a backlash.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar also criticised the TMC for organising birthday celebrations on a public road, stating that such gatherings could lead to confrontations.

The latest developments come amid an ongoing dispute over structures associated with Abhishek Banerjee. In July, an anti-encroachment drive was carried out at his closed office in Amtala, South 24 Parganas, amid security arrangements. The Calcutta High Court subsequently directed that demolition work at the office be halted until further orders.