Abhishek Banerjee’s Amtala office demolition halted as he challenges TMC rebels

Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee warned party defectors that if they rejoined leader Mamata Banerjee he would resign his post within an hour. He accused the defectors of aligning with the BJP and urged them to face investigative agencies instead of seeking protection.

West Bengal authorities began demolishing Banerjee’s five‑storey constituency office in Amtala, South 24 Parganas, alleging illegal construction and lack of approved plans. The demolition sparked a political row, with Banerjee alleging police and BJP involvement and describing the action as "theft in uniform."

The Calcutta High Court intervened, ordering a status‑quo on the demolition and directing the state to submit all documents relating to the building. The court’s interim halt applies until the end of July, after which the matter will be heard by a regular bench. Despite the order, demolition activities and police presence continued at the site, and officials reported the removal of trunks and documents.

Banerjee has filed legal challenges, threatened to approach the Supreme Court, and claimed the demolition violates prior Supreme Court and High Court rulings against bulldozer demolitions. His statements have drawn criticism from opposition leaders who have called for his resignation.