Landowner demolishes TMC’s ‘illegal’ party office in Kolkata’s Beliaghata

An allegedly illegal party office built on occupied private land in Kolkata’s Beliaghata area was demolished with a bulldozer on Saturday after the landowner regained possession of the property. The structure, located in the Mathpukur area under Tangra Police Station limits, was allegedly constructed by local Trinamool Congress leaders more than a decade ago. Police personnel and BJP leaders were present during the demolition operation.

Landowner Jharna Kundu alleged that the property had been occupied around 11 years ago after she was told that a local club would be constructed there. According to her, no club was ever built and the premises later became a Trinamool party office. She alleged that the office was regularly used for drinking sessions and gatherings late into the night. Jharna accused local leaders identified as Raju Ghosh, Mintu and Bacchu Ganguly of being involved in the alleged occupation of the land.

According to the family, after the political change in West Bengal and the BJP’s victory in the state, the same individuals allegedly repainted the office saffron and placed BJP flags and photographs there to portray it as a BJP office. Jharna’s daughter Payel Kundu claimed that photographs of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee were removed from the premises after the election results were announced.

Jharna Kundu alleged that fear had prevented the family from protesting against the occupation for several years. She said the family later approached state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya regarding the issue. BJP leader Archana Majumdar visited the site during the demolition and stated that the party would not tolerate illegal occupation or unauthorised activities carried out using BJP’s name or symbols.

The demolition took place amid the state government’s stated policy of taking action against illegal occupation and unauthorised constructions following the change in government. According to the family, the structure was demolished after they regained control of the property in the presence of police personnel and local political representatives.