Tensions ran high on Camac Street in Kolkata after officials from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), supported by a contingent of Kolkata Police, moved to remove a massive Trinamool Congress (TMC) billboard installed atop the building housing MP Abhishek Banerjee’s office. The municipal action followed a complaint lodged by the police alleging that the iron-framed billboard had been installed without proper authorization.
The situation escalated quickly as party supporters, private security guards, and senior TMC leaders—including Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien—confronted the civic and police personnel at the entrance. TMC members attempted to block access to the staircase leading to the roof, questioning the legitimacy of the order produced by KMC officials and pointing out that required official documentation, such as an attached photograph, was missing. A heated exchange ensued, resulting in scuffles on the stairwell during which the party alleged that supporters and office staff were manhandled and harassed.
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Despite the resistance, reinforced police teams managed to secure access to the roof, where KMC workers used equipment to dismantle the billboard’s frame and remove the TMC signage. Addressing the media during the stand-off, Abhishek Banerjee strongly condemned the action, terming it an attempt to suppress the party. He questioned why the administration singled out their office while ignoring numerous other commercial and political billboards across the area. The TMC leader confirmed that the party has approached the Calcutta High Court to challenge the forceful entry and dismantling of the billboard on private property.
