Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised concerns over the changing social fabric of her south Kolkata assembly constituency, Bhawanipur, alleging that “outsiders” are being settled there in a planned manner. Speaking virtually at the Vijaya Sammelan programme in Bhawanipur on Tuesday, Mamata Banerjee sent a strong message from North Bengal to Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers, urging them to stay alert and protect the interests of local residents.
The Chief Minister, who is currently in North Bengal overseeing the flood situation after Durga Puja, could not attend the event in person and addressed it through an audio message.
“Bhawanipur is being filled with outsiders in a planned way,” Mamata said in her message, adding, “I see that in many places, slums of poor people are being demolished and big houses are being built. I do not support this. Our voters are being driven away.”
However, the Chief Minister clarified that she does not consider everyone from outside Bengal as outsiders. “Those who live and work in Bengal are our people. But those who suddenly come from outside, spend money to buy land and houses and displace local residents—these are the real outsiders,” she explained.
Highlighting the consequences of such rapid urban development, Mamata said, “Those who are buying those flats are not getting proper water supply or drainage systems. Everyone should understand that poor people are our wealth.”
Despite her absence, Mamata issued strict instructions to her party’s local leaders. She urged them to maintain peace and vigilance during Kali Puja and Chhath Puja, ensuring that no untoward incident occurs. “The responsibility is ours,” she reminded her party members.
Echoing the Chief Minister’s sentiments, TMC leader Subrata Bakshi emphasised the importance of unity within the party ahead of the upcoming elections. “We will try to maintain mutual relations and work together. Elections are next year—we must make Mamata Banerjee victorious for the fourth time and seat her again in the Bengal assembly,” Bakshi said.
Party sources indicate that Mamata’s message reflects growing unease within the TMC about demographic and political changes in Bhawanipur, a constituency long regarded as her political stronghold.
Also read: Mamata’s words again fail Bengal’s women
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