NEW DELHI: A fresh demolition drive targeting alleged illegal structures linked to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders was carried out in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on Monday, days after similar action near Howrah Railway Station triggered a major political confrontation in the state.According to PTI, bulldozers were used to clear structures allegedly built on government land as civic authorities, backed by heavy police deployment, intensified their crackdown on unauthorised constructions across several parts of Bengal.The latest action comes amid an escalating war of words between the BJP and TMC over what the opposition has termed “bulldozer politics”.Earlier on Sunday, former West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the Centre, accusing it of promoting “state terrorism” and targeting the poor in the name of demolition drives.Addressing party workers and supporters, Banerjee contrasted earlier rehabilitation efforts under her government with the ongoing demolitions.“When Kalyani Express Setu was built, 43 homes were affected on the road, and we built 43 homes exactly the same for their rehabilitation. Now, there is looting, vandalism, and attempts to erase all traces,” she said.“When you fall from power in Delhi, you will face the consequences of your actions – we are waiting for that day,” she added.Banerjee also appealed to the judiciary, saying, “I want to remind the judiciary that they are the true protectors of the law… I will continue to fight a legal battle against state terrorism. I will see which holds more power – the Constitution or the nozzle of a gun.”The demolition drives have expanded across Kolkata and adjoining areas in recent days. On Sunday, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) launched operations in Tiljala, Kasba and Beleghata against buildings allegedly constructed in violation of civic norms.In Tiljala’s Ward 66, represented by TMC councillor Faiyaz Ahmed Khan, civic officials demolished unauthorised portions of buildings amid tight security arrangements.Another demolition was carried out on East Kuria Road in the Beleghata area, where a partially constructed building allegedly linked to local TMC leader Raju Naskar was razed.“A notice had been issued on May 21 asking the owner to produce relevant building documents within 48 hours. As no response was received from the owner, the demolition squad proceeded with the action today,” a KMC official said.Meanwhile, another demolition drive was conducted in Kasba in connection with arrested land scam accused ‘Sona Pappu’, amid allegations that a five-storey building had been constructed without necessary approvals.BJP leader and urban development minister Agnimitra Paul, who visited one of the demolition sites, alleged large-scale corruption under the previous administration.“During the previous regime, corruption flourished unchecked. Illegal constructions came up with the knowledge of civic authorities and under the patronage of influential leaders in exchange for money,” she said.“Even if the police wanted to act, they could not do much. Strict action will be taken against all those involved in illegal constructions as well as those who facilitated such irregularities,” she added.Also read: Payloader razes ‘TMC party office’, owner gets back land
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