Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday alleged that the West Bengal administration and police became “law breakers” and acted illegally while demolishing his Lok Sabha constituency office in Umtala in South 24 Parganas.
Banerjee described the action as “theft of military uniform” and accused the police of siding with the BJP and violating court rulings.
The remarks came a day after the South 24 Parganas district administration demolished part of the Diamond Harbor constituency office over alleged building code violations. The front part of the building was demolished on Saturday after authorities claimed it was constructed without an approved building plan and in violation of building codes.
The demolition comes amid heightened political tensions for the Trinamool Congress after the exit of 20 Lok Sabha MPs from the party.
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Abhishek Banerjee accuses the police of acting illegally
In a post on X, Banerjee claimed that the demolition was carried out despite court rulings against such measures.
“The lawlessness in Bengal is quite clear,” the TMC leader said.
He claimed that the demolition operation violated the orders of the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court, which, according to him, held that the bulldozer demolitions were unconstitutional. Banerjee also accused the administration of working in collusion with the BJP, PTI reported.
Referring to the videos circulating online, Banerjee claimed that police personnel were involved in removing office equipment and documents from the building.
“The videos showed West Bengal Police along with BJP men carrying boxes filled with laptops, printers, documents, tables, chairs and other furniture,” he said.
“This was not a demolition, but a uniformed robbery, carried out with complete contempt for the rule of law, while the matter remains before the Supreme Court,” Banerjee wrote in a message on X.
“Those who aim to uphold the law have become law breakers. Shame on West Bengal Police!” He added.
Also read: Abhishek Banerjee’s office in Diamond Harbor demolished: ‘Illegal construction’
The administration says the action followed due process
The district administration stated that the demolition was carried out strictly in accordance with the law and had no political motive.
According to a state government official, the structure violated building regulations and necessary procedures were followed before action was taken.
“The action was taken due to violation of construction norms and had no political consideration,” the official told PTI.
The demolition sparked a new political controversy between the TMC and the BJP in West Bengal, with Banerjee claiming that the administration acted at the behest of the ruling party.
TMC plans a legal challenge
A day earlier, Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of former Prime Minister Mamta Banerjee, said the demolished office was built on land purchased legally after obtaining all necessary permissions. He also announced that the TMC would move the Calcutta High Court against the demolition.
The three-time Lok Sabha MP also warned that if there is a change in government after the 2031 West Bengal Assembly elections, the BJP offices in the state will also face similar action.
This controversy comes amid rising political tensions in West Bengal, and is expected to intensify the legal and political battle over the demolition. The Calcutta High Court is likely to hear the matter as the TMC challenges the action taken by the administration, while the state government continues to defend the demolition as a lawful enforcement of building regulations.
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(With inputs from PTI)
