Abhishek Banerjee seeks 10-day extension from KMC on demolition notice
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee has sought a 10-day extension from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to respond to a notice concerning the valuation of his properties and the demolition of an allegedly illegal portion of his residence in Bhabanipur, south Kolkata. The request was submitted through his lawyer, ahead of a Monday deadline set by the civic body.
Background to the Notice
The KMC last Monday dispatched notices to Abhishek Banerjee's two registered addresses — Kalighat Road and Harish Mukherjee Road, both in south Kolkata. The notices raised questions about whether the civic body's permission was obtained for additional construction at either residence. Officials also physically affixed a notice on the outer wall of his Harish Mukherjee Road property.
Demolition Order and Surveillance
The corporation has ordered the demolition of the allegedly illegal section of Santiniketan — the name of Banerjee's Harish Mukherjee Road home. According to reports, approximately 17 properties linked to Abhishek Banerjee are currently under surveillance by the civic authority. The KMC's action marks one of the more prominent property-compliance cases involving a sitting elected official in recent Kolkata civic history.
Banerjee's Response to Media
Days before the letter was sent, Abhishek Banerjee — the Trinamool Congress MP from Diamond Harbour — was seen leaving Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee's residence in Kalighat after a meeting. As he entered his vehicle, journalists pressed him with questions about the KMC notice. He initially declined to respond, but reportedly lowered his car window and said in a raised voice: 'Find out specifically which part of the house is illegal. Then ask me questions, and I will answer.'
The exchange drew attention to what observers described as visible irritation with media queries on the matter. His subsequent decision to formally seek time through legal counsel signals a shift toward institutional engagement with the KMC process.
What Happens Next
According to civic procedure, the KMC generally grants extensions when formally requested, making it likely that Banerjee will receive additional time to submit his reply. Once the response is filed, the corporation will assess whether to proceed with the demolition order or accept any regularisation arguments. The case is being closely watched given Banerjee's prominence within the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and his status as a Member of Parliament.