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President of the West Bengal Congress Adhir Chowdhury,  has voiced concerns over what he describes as an organised land grab taking place in West Bengal, particularly in Kolkata. 

 

"An organised loot is going on in Kolkata as well as in the whole of West Bengal, land mafia is ruling the roost," the Congress party leader in the outgoing Lok Sabha told media persons at his home town and constituency Baharampur.

 

He has emphasised the prevalence of a land mafia operating across the state, raising alarm over the unchecked proliferation of illegal constructions.

 

Speaking from his hometown and constituency of Berhampore, Chowdhury reiterated his demand for the resignation of Firhad Hakim, the Mayor of Kolkata. 

 

He attributed the recent tragedy of a building collapse in the Garden Reach area, claiming the lives of at least 10 individuals, to the alleged negligence of the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-controlled Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

 

Highlighting the broader political landscape, Chowdhury criticised the TMC government for its handling of issues such as the alleged non-payment of dues under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

 

Chowdhury questioned the government's priorities, urging it to address concerns through legal channels rather than resorting to street protests.

 

Amidst preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Chowdhury appealed to the Election Commission to ensure the integrity of the electoral process in West Bengal. 

 

The Berhampore MP accused the ruling TMC of employing tactics of inducement and intimidation to secure electoral victories.

 

In light of the charged political environment, Chowdhury expressed concerns over attempts by both the TMC and the BJP to exploit religious divisions for electoral gains.

 

The Congress leader alleged that both the TMC and the BJP were "trying to divide people" in the state on religious lines to win the Lok Sabha elections, which will be held in seven phases between April 19 and June 1. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.

 

"The TMC has no face to go to the people and seek votes, so it will have to resort to other means to win the elections," he claimed.

 

Responding to queries regarding the Congress party's electoral strategy and candidate selection, Chowdhury indicated that the names of candidates have been finalised in collaboration with the Left Front. However, he deferred the announcement of candidates' names to the All India Congress Committee.