Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Commissioner Smita Pandey on Sunday, 25 May 2025, asserted that notices issued against illegal constructions across Kolkata are 'entirely personal and not linked to any political outfit,' as the civic body pressed ahead with a demolition drive spanning six locations in the city. The action has ignited a sharp political clash between the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

What Happened on the Ground

Commissioner Pandey was present in the Beleghata area of Kolkata to oversee the demolition of illegal structures linked to local strongman Raju Naskar. She confirmed that all legal procedures — including issuing notices and granting hearing opportunities — were followed before any structure was razed. 'There are several illegal constructions here, not just one, but many adjacent to it as well. We followed the entire procedure. Notices were issued and adequate opportunity for a hearing was given. There was no objection in carrying out the action,' she said.

Police personnel were deployed at the site to assist KMC officials, and the Commissioner confirmed no complaints were received against either civic officers or the police.

The Abhishek Banerjee Angle

The demolition drive gained political salience after KMC issued notices to properties reportedly linked to TMC General Secretary and Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee. When asked about those notices specifically, Commissioner Pandey said: 'Process will go on. He has asked for some time. We will look into the matter.' The measured response signals that the civic body intends to pursue the matter through due process rather than fast-track action.

Political Flashpoint: TMC vs BJP

The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC characterised the demolition drive as 'political vendetta,' alleging that the timing and targets were motivated by factional rivalries rather than genuine civic enforcement. The BJP, by contrast, welcomed KMC's move, framing it as overdue accountability. This comes amid broader tensions between factions within West Bengal's political landscape, with the notices to Abhishek Banerjee serving as the immediate flashpoint.

Scope of the Crackdown and What Comes Next

KMC is preparing a comprehensive database of illegal constructions across Kolkata, with notices already issued in several areas and multiple cases pending in court. Commissioner Pandey acknowledged that the civic body must also comply with court orders where judicial proceedings are ongoing. 'We face objections in many places, but we will certainly take action wherever there are no objections,' she said. She further indicated that strict action against illegal structures would be extended to other parts of West Bengal in the coming days, suggesting the current drive is part of a wider, sustained enforcement effort rather than a one-off exercise.