Trinamool Congress asked to vacate East Kolkata party HQ over security fears
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has received a notice to vacate its temporary headquarters, locally known as 'Trinamool Bhaban', in the Topsia area along EM Bypass in East Kolkata. The building's owner, Montu Saha — head of the prominent firm Modern Decorators — reportedly conveyed the decision verbally to the Trinamool leadership, citing security concerns following vandalism outside the premises after the West Bengal Assembly election results were declared on 4 May.
Why the Landlord Wants TMC Out
Saha has been explicit that the decision carries no political motivation. 'Immediately after the results of the Assembly elections were announced on May 4, there was widespread vandalism outside that house. If there is any damage to the house, the loss will be mine. There is nothing else in this,' he said. He confirmed that the Trinamool leadership has consistently honoured the rental agreement and that he holds no personal grievance against the party. Security risk to his property, he maintained, is the sole driver.
The Two-Month Deadline
According to Saha, the Trinamool leadership has given him a clear assurance that the multi-storey building will be fully vacated within the next two months. No formal written notice has been reported; the communication was made verbally. As of 24 May, Trinamool Congress has not issued any public response on the matter.
Four Years as TMC's Political Nerve Centre
The building on EM Bypass was first rented in 2022 as a stopgap office after the party's original headquarters in Topsia was demolished to make way for a modern multi-storey structure. The initial two-year lease was extended by another two years when construction on the permanent building overran its schedule. Over this period, the rented premises functioned as the operational heart of Trinamool's political and organisational machinery.
Separate, well-furnished rooms were maintained for party supremo Mamata Banerjee and General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. Almost every major organisational meeting, election strategy session, and press conference was held here. Senior leaders, MLAs, and ministers visited daily. Day-to-day management of the office was overseen by party state president Subrata Bakshi and vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar.
Political Context
The eviction notice arrives at a sensitive moment. West Bengal has witnessed political turbulence following the recent change of government, and the displacement of the ruling party's temporary headquarters adds a symbolic dimension to the transition. Notably, however, Saha has categorically denied any connection between the political climate and his decision, insisting the matter is purely one of property security. The Trinamool leadership's silence on the development leaves the party's next steps — including the status of its permanent Topsia office — unclear.