What Sparked the Political Uproar in Bengal Over the Khidirpur Fire?
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Synopsis
A devastating fire in Khidirpur, Kolkata, has ignited a fierce political debate in West Bengal. With over 1,300 shops destroyed and accusations of negligence flying, both the state government and opposition are locked in a battle of words. What does this mean for the future of the affected shopkeepers and the political landscape in Bengal?
Key Takeaways
- 1,300 shops destroyed in Khidirpur fire.
- No casualties reported, but losses estimated in crores.
- Political blame game ensues between government and opposition.
- Allegations of negligence by fire services.
- Concerns over potential land grabs post-fire.
Kolkata, June 17 (NationPress) A political uproar unfolded in West Bengal on Tuesday after a significant fire erupted early Monday morning in the Khidirpur locality of south Kolkata, completely obliterating over 1,300 shops in a vibrant marketplace.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the estimated financial loss from the incident amounts to several crores of rupees. This incident sparked intense political discourse between the ruling party and the opposition.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, arrived at the site and launched a fierce critique against the state administration.
While addressing the affected shopkeepers, Adhikari accused the state fire services department of intentionally delaying its response, which led to the complete devastation of the marketplace. He suggested that the fire was part of a broader scheme to enable a land grab by the so-called 'land mafia'.
“The fire ignited shortly after 1 a.m. on Monday, and both the local police and fire services were notified immediately. However, fire tenders reportedly did not arrive until 4 a.m. You can infer the kind of conspiracy at play here,” Adhikari remarked.
He also charged the state government with selling off valuable public land to private entities.
“You’ve been assured of an alternative market, yet in reality, they have already sold this land. The Alipore Central Jail and the Alipore Zoo land have been sold off. Soon, you may witness shopping malls and beauty parlours replacing your stalls,” he claimed.
Numerous affected traders echoed similar sentiments, stating that the delay in the firefighting response exacerbated the situation. “Had the fire services acted swiftly, much of the destruction could have been averted,” stated one shop owner.
Meanwhile, during the ongoing monsoon session in the state Assembly on Tuesday, State Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose vehemently denied the allegations.
“Similar to our armed forces, our firefighters put their lives on the line daily. The fire department's control room received the first alert at 2:05 a.m., and fire tenders were dispatched immediately,” Bose affirmed, adding, “Senior officials, including myself, arrived at the scene without delay. I reached there by 6 a.m.”
He also dismissed claims that the fire tenders lacked adequate resources. “There was no deficiency in water or fuel. We subsequently arranged to draw water from a nearby stream of the Ganges,” Bose clarified.
Point of View
It's crucial to present an unbiased narrative. The tragic Khidirpur fire has raised serious questions about fire safety protocols and the government's accountability. While the opposition alleges negligence, the state government insists on timely action. This incident highlights the interplay between governance and public safety that must be addressed for the benefit of all citizens.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Khidirpur fire?
The cause of the Khidirpur fire is still under investigation, and it has led to significant political fallout in West Bengal.
How much damage was caused by the fire?
The estimated damage from the fire is several crores of rupees, impacting over 1,300 shops.
What are the political implications of this incident?
The fire has sparked a political debate, with allegations of negligence directed at the state government and claims of a land grab scheme.
How did the state fire services respond?
The State Fire Services Minister claimed that the fire department responded promptly, with the first alert received at 2:05 a.m.
Are there any plans for the affected shopkeepers?
There have been promises for an alternative market for the affected traders, although concerns about land sales have been raised.
