Election Update – Kolkata Removes High-Security Cover From TMC Leaders’ Homes
Election Update – Following the change in political leadership in West Bengal after the Bharatiya Janata Party registered a major victory in the Assembly elections, Kolkata Police has withdrawn enhanced security arrangements from outside the residence of Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in south Kolkata.
The police outpost stationed outside ‘Shantiniketan’ on Harish Mukherjee Road was removed on Wednesday after years of deployment. The security setup had included multiple Kolkata Police vehicles, barricades, and around-the-clock personnel monitoring the area. Residents in the locality said movement of vehicles and pedestrians had remained restricted for a long period because of the arrangements.
Security Measures Rolled Back
Officials confirmed that the additional protection provided to Abhishek Banerjee since 2014, when he became a Member of Parliament from Diamond Harbour, has now been discontinued. The withdrawal order was reportedly issued from Lalbazar, the headquarters of Kolkata Police.
Authorities also removed security scanners installed at the entrance of the residential complex. Earlier, every visitor entering the premises had to undergo checking procedures, while electronic devices and personal belongings were screened before entry. According to sources, the scanning equipment had been installed using government resources.
The rollback extended to the Kalighat area as well, where police had maintained extra arrangements near the residence of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Harish Chatterjee Street. Barricades and guardrails placed along the connecting lane were removed on Tuesday.
Local Residents Welcome Decision
Several residents living near both residences reacted positively after the restrictions were lifted. People staying near Harish Mukherjee Road said regular traffic congestion and limited access had created inconvenience for commuters and local businesses over the years.
Neighbours around the Kalighat area also expressed relief after the removal of barricades. Many locals stated that the area is expected to return to normal traffic movement and easier pedestrian access in the coming days.
Senior Advisors Submit Resignations
The political transition in the state has also triggered key administrative changes. Two senior advisors associated with the former chief minister stepped down from their positions shortly after the election outcome.
Former Chief Secretaries Alapan Bandyopadhyay and H K Dwivedi resigned from their roles as chief advisors to Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday, according to officials familiar with the development.
Economist Abhirup Sarkar also resigned from his responsibilities as chairman of the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation and the West Bengal Small Industries Development Corporation.
Background of Administrative Changes
Alapan Bandyopadhyay had remained a prominent figure in state administration during Mamata Banerjee’s tenure. He drew national attention in 2021 during a dispute between the West Bengal government and the Centre regarding his transfer order after retirement. Soon after leaving office as chief secretary, he was appointed as chief advisor to the chief minister.
The recent resignations are being viewed as part of the broader restructuring expected after the shift in political power in the state.
Earlier, West Bengal Advocate General Kishore Dutta had also resigned from his position and submitted his papers to Governor R N Ravi, further indicating significant changes within the state administration following the election results.
Political observers believe more bureaucratic and administrative adjustments could take place in the coming weeks as the new government begins restructuring key departments and reviewing earlier arrangements.