Municipal workers removed a bamboo structure and an iron gate at the Kolkata residence of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday.
Civic workers used a bulldozer on Thursday to demolish a temporary bamboo shed erected over a footpath outside the Kolkata residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee, according to The New Indian Express and PTI. The operation at 121, Kalighat Road also involved dismantling an iron gate using a gas cutter because it allegedly obstructed pedestrian movement.
A large contingent of Kolkata Police and central forces was deployed outside the residence of the Diamond Harbour MP during the demolition. The action follows allegations from Banerjee that police personnel were conducting surveillance outside his home using vehicles, a claim he supported with a video on social media.
TMC spokesperson Arka Nag said the shed was originally erected by the West Bengal Directorate of Security to accommodate personnel when Banerjee had Z-plus security cover. Nag stated that because the additional security cover was withdrawn, the structure was no longer required and arrangements were being made to remove it.
Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh defended the civic action, telling reporters that it was justified as neighbourhood residents faced hardships. Ghosh said that Banerjee used to consider himself as being above the law.
Banerjee reacted to the demolition on X, stating that bulldozers could not silence his voice or break his resolve. He said he would continue his fight against the 'Bangla Birodhis' and would not retreat.
The controversy follows a change in the West Bengal government, with the BJP now in power and the TMC as the opposition. Local residents had previously complained that the structure restricted pedestrian movement and forced people to use a congested road.
