Bulldozer action outside Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata home, bamboo shed razed

Civic workers used a bulldozer outside Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence on Thursday to demolish a temporary bamboo shed over a footpath, news agency Press Trust of India reported. They also began removing an iron gate that allegedly obstructed pedestrians.The action came amid a political standoff, with the TMC alleging police surveillance outside Banerjee's residence and questions being raised over the circumstances of the demolition after the BJP came to power in West Bengal.A large contingent of Kolkata Police personnel and central forces was deployed outside the TMC national general secretary's residence at 121, Kalighat Road. Municipal workers used a bulldozer to pull down the shed before removing the bamboo poles and clearing the footpath.An iron gate installed outside the boundary wall was also dismantled with a gas cutter following allegations that it had encroached on the footpath, PTI reported. The controversy intensified on Wednesday after Banerjee alleged that police personnel were using vehicles to conduct surveillance outside his residence. He also posted a video on social media in support of his claim.Police personnel returned to the area near the residence on Wednesday evening. The TMC claimed they had gone there to facilitate the removal of the shed. Banerjee's office staff had themselves begun dismantling the temporary structure that day. TMC spokesperson Arka Nag said the West Bengal Directorate of Security had erected the shed to accommodate personnel assigned to Banerjee when he had Z-plus security cover."The shed was constructed by the police. With the withdrawal of the additional security cover, the structure is no longer required. Therefore, arrangements are being made on behalf of Abhishek Banerjee to remove it," Nag said, according to PTI.The TMC maintained that the structure had served a security-related purpose and was not an unauthorised construction put up by the MP. Civic authorities, however, arrived on Thursday morning to complete its removal and clear the footpath.Several local residents had questioned the presence of the temporary structure, alleging that it restricted pedestrian movement and forced people to navigate a congested stretch of the road.The controversy dates to November 6, when tensions rose in Kalighat during celebrations marking Banerjee's birthday. A large number of people were seen gathering under the temporary shed during the celebrations.The developments have taken on a political dimension following the change of government in West Bengal, with the BJP now in power and the TMC seeking to establish itself as the main opposition party.- Ends