Abhishek Banerjee Under Pressure: CM Suvendu Adhikari Initiates Multiple Actions Against TMC MP

The political landscape of West Bengal has undergone a seismic shift following the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party government. This transition has brought immediate and significant challenges for Abhishek Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress MP from Diamond Harbour and nephew of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Since the BJP assumed power, Abhishek Banerjee has become the focal point of various administrative and legal actions, primarily driven by the new administration under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The shift in power has marked the end of a 15 year tenure for the Mamata Banerjee led government, with the BJP securing a historic victory by winning 207 seats in the assembly elections.

The Rise of Suvendu Adhikari and Legal Actions

Suvendu Adhikari took the oath of office as the Chief Minister of West Bengal on May 9. Immediately after assuming the role, he began implementing a series of stringent decisions that have directly impacted the TMC leadership. One of the most prominent actions was the registration of an FIR against Abhishek Banerjee. The charges involve allegations of delivering inflammatory speeches during the election campaign. Specifically, Banerjee is accused of making threatening statements directed at Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders. In response to these legal developments, Abhishek Banerjee approached the Calcutta High Court seeking to quash the FIR filed against him by an individual named Rajiv Sarkar. The complaint highlights a specific instance where Banerjee allegedly threatened BJP leaders from a public platform, stating that he would see who comes to save them on May 4, the day of the election results.

Withdrawal of Z-Plus Security Cover

In another significant blow to the TMC MP, the new state government has withdrawn the Z-Plus security cover that Abhishek Banerjee had been provided for the last 10 years. Following the review of security protocols for various political figures, Banerjee has now been assigned the standard security detail typically provided to an ordinary Member of Parliament. This reduction in security isn't limited to Abhishek Banerjee alone; other prominent TMC figures, including Kalyan Banerjee and Rajeev Kumar, have also seen their security levels downgraded. However, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has clarified that there will be no compromise regarding the security of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, which remains intact despite the broader changes in the state's security assignments.

Scrutiny of Properties and Municipal Notices

The administrative pressure on Abhishek Banerjee has extended to his real estate holdings, while chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari recently claimed that a total of 24 properties belonging to Banerjee are currently under investigation. Following this, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation issued formal notices regarding 21 of these properties, seeking detailed accounts and documentation. These notices were issued under Section 400(1) of the Building Department Act. Banerjee has been directed to appear before the municipal body with building plans and all necessary property related documents, while the list of properties under scrutiny includes the Shantiniketan building on Harish Mukherjee Road and another significant structure located near the Kalighat crossing. The notices explicitly state that the construction of these buildings doesn't align with the sanctioned maps, raising questions about their legal status.

Political Setbacks and the Falta Withdrawal

The challenges for Abhishek Banerjee aren't merely legal and administrative but also political. A major setback occurred when Jahangir Khan, considered one of Banerjee's most trusted and close associates, decided to withdraw from the electoral race in Falta. Jahangir Khan played a pivotal role in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he was instrumental in securing over 80 percent of the votes for Abhishek Banerjee in the Diamond Harbour constituency. Re-voting in Falta was scheduled for May 21, but just two days prior, on May 19, Jahangir Khan announced his withdrawal from the contest. This sudden move has sparked intense speculation within political circles. Khan was set to face BJP candidate Debanshu Panda, but his decision to leave the field before the voting took place has added to the growing list of difficulties for the Banerjee camp in the post election era.