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West Bengal political rivalry and KMC election tensions

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2026-08-29 07:36 UTC → 2026-08-31 09:47 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Political tensions in West Bengal have intensified leading up to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has set a target of winning at least 150 seats and plans to issue a political ‘chargesheet’ against 130 Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillors over alleged financial irregularities. To support this campaign, the BJP is implementing a candidate selection process focused on individuals with clean public images. In response to the electoral competition and proposed ward delimitation, TMC leadership has maintained a defiant stance. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the need for judicial intervention regarding rally permissions, stating the party will instead seek ‘people’s approval’ for public meetings. Concerns have also been raised by certain TMC factions regarding the infrastructure required for a potential increase in the number of wards to over 200. The rivalry escalated into a physical confrontation at the Camac Street office of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee when KMC and police officials attempted to remove an unauthorized billboard. Following the clash, police registered FIRs against Abhishek Banerjee, Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien, and other party leaders for charges including rioting, unlawful assembly, and assault on public servants. ~~Thirteen individuals were~~ Legal proceedings have continued as police issued notices to Abhishek Banerjee and Derek O’Brien. While fourteen people have been arrested, Banerjee’s legal team has challenged the police, claiming the FIR and notice were not uploaded to the official website in violation of Supreme Court guidelines. Meanwhile, Derek O’Brien has requested a seven-day extension to appear for questioning. The TMC has ~~since~~ approached the Calcutta High ~~Court. While~~ Court, though the court ~~granted permission to file a case, it~~ previously declined to issue an interim order ~~or intervene in the immediate removal of the billboard, noting~~ regarding the ~~matter was not yet ripe for such intervention.~~ billboard removal.

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