The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has stirred the political waters by issuing notices to 17 properties reportedly associated with Abhishek Banerjee, the general secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), over alleged unauthorized construction. This development has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of the recent political turbulence in West Bengal, where the TMC has faced significant setbacks against opposition parties.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the notices were dispatched amid claims that Banerjee and his associates have violated building regulations. The TMC has vehemently dismissed the portrayal of events, branding the notices and the accompanying media narratives as “false, fabricated, and lacking credibility.” This assertion comes on the heels of a first information report (FIR) and a police complaint lodged against Banerjee, which has further intensified the scrutiny of his political and personal dealings.

The backdrop for these notices is particularly charged, as it follows the TMC’s defeat to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recent Assembly elections held on May 4. The KMC, which is under TMC control, has now become a focal point for political rivalry, making the context of these notices even more significant. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari recently mentioned that he had requested information pertaining to properties owned by TMC leaders, including Banerjee, from both the Municipal Affairs Department and the KMC commissioner, a move that appears to add to the ongoing tension.

In the notices sent out by the KMC, officials have demanded documentation concerning building plan approvals, inquiries into whether necessary permissions for additional constructions were secured, and details regarding installations like lifts and escalators. The KMC has issued a stark warning to property owners, indicating that if they fail to respond adequately within seven days, the civic body will proceed with the demolition of the unauthorized structures and recover the costs from the owners.

This development raises several questions about political motivations and the integrity of municipal governance in Kolkata. With the TMC being the ruling party in the municipality, the notices are viewed by some as a politically motivated maneuver aimed at undermining Banerjee’s standing amidst adversities faced by the party. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how both the TMC and the opposition parties respond to these allegations, as well as the public’s reaction to the KMC’s actions.