Kolkata Police on Thursday, 18 June denied allegations that the West Bengal government had deliberately withdrawn the security cover of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, clarifying that only two personal security officers had been replaced as part of a routine administrative reshuffle. The denial came a day after three All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) parliamentarians publicly raised the alarm over what they described as a deliberate withdrawal of her entitlement.

What Triggered the Controversy

On Wednesday night, TMC Rajya Sabha members Derek O'Brien and Sagarika Ghose — a journalist-turned-politician — along with Lok Sabha member Mahua Moitra, posted a video on social media showing an empty police kiosk in front of Banerjee's residence at Kalighat in South Kolkata. The posts claimed that city police had withdrawn her security under instructions from the administration, sparking a political row.

What Police Said

Insiders from the state police clarified that there has been no curtailment whatsoever in Banerjee's security arrangements. According to police sources, the issue arose because Banerjee had insisted that two specific officers who guarded her during her tenure as Chief Minister be retained in the same positions. 'There is no scope for such appointments of officials on the basis of personal preference in government rules. Security officials are transferred as per duty roster and specific government protocols. In this case too, the same normal administrative reshuffle has taken place. There is no way to accept such personal demands in the government structure,' a city police insider said.

Replacement Officers Turned Away

The two replacement personal security officers reportedly reached Banerjee's Kalighat residence on Wednesday night, but were allegedly not permitted by the former Chief Minister and her associates to assume charge, on the grounds that she was not acquainted with them. The police source noted that security arrangements at her residence have since been intensified, with high view-cutter barricades placed in front of the premises.

BJP Dismisses TMC's Narrative

State leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were dismissive of the episode, arguing that the social media posts by TMC MPs were an attempt to 'make an issue out of a non-issue', motivated solely by a desire to attract public sympathy. The BJP's response underscores the deepening political rivalry in West Bengal, where any perceived slight against Banerjee is quickly amplified across party lines. Notably, this episode comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity in the state, with multiple opposition groups closely scrutinising the conduct of the administration.

What Happens Next

It remains to be seen whether Banerjee accepts the newly assigned security officers or presses for reinstatement of her preferred personnel. The standoff, while framed as administrative by the police, carries political undertones that neither side appears willing to let rest quietly.