30 TMC councillors, chairperson quit from Bhatpara Municipality

A major political crisis emerged in Bhatpara on Friday after 30 councillors of the municipality reportedly resigned together, triggering uncertainty over the future of the civic body. Sources also said Bhatpara Municipality chairperson Reba Raha stepped down amid the developments. The resignations were reportedly submitted at the Barrackpore administrative building, raising concerns over the continuity of civic administration and public services in the area.

According to municipal sources, Bhatpara Municipality has a total of 35 councillors, of whom two have died. Former deputy chairman Debjyoti Ghosh stated that 30 councillors have now resigned together, leaving only a small number of members in the civic body. The mass resignation has intensified political tension in the region and sparked speculation regarding the municipality’s administrative future.

Chairperson Reba Raha said she decided to resign after learning that a large group of councillors was preparing to step down. “We had no other option left. Earlier we heard that 19 councillors were resigning. That is when I decided to resign as well,” she said while addressing the media following the developments.

BJP MLA Arjun Singh stated at a press conference that government officials would continue maintaining civic services despite the political crisis. He further said that MLAs Pawan Singh and Rajesh Kumar would oversee efforts to ensure that essential municipal services continue functioning normally in the area during the ongoing uncertainty.

The developments in Bhatpara came only days after 16 councillors of Halisahar Municipality also resigned together, leading to administrative instability there. Speculation has now grown over whether the Bhatpara municipal board will be dissolved and an administrator appointed, or whether fresh elections will be conducted to reconstitute the civic body.