Kolkata, 09 November (H.S.) :

If everything proceeds according to schedule, Chief Minister and Bhabanipur MLA Suvendu Adhikari will visit several Kali Puja pandals situated at Kalighat's Harish Chatterjee Street on Tuesday evening. According to administrative sources, multiple puja committees organizing festivities in the lane housing the residence of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had invited the incumbent CM.

Accepting their invitation, the Chief Minister will grace the pandals. However, the primary objective of this visit extends beyond offering prayers; it is a profound gesture of solidarity with the local traders and sculptors of Kalighat.

The visit comes in the wake of allegations regarding widespread vandalism on the nights of November 6 and 7, which reportedly occurred during the birthday celebrations of the former Chief Minister's nephew and parliamentarian, Abhishek Banerjee. Rampaging inebriated youths allegedly wreaked havoc in the area, destroying idols and raw materials belonging to several sculptors in Patuapara. Vendors selling puja paraphernalia in the vicinity also suffered substantial financial losses. Following this untoward incident, the distressed sculptors and traders lodged a formal written complaint at the MLA and Chief Minister's office in Bhabanipur.

Prompted by the complaints, Chief Minister Adhikari immediately issued directives for swift action. Sources from the Chief Minister's Office indicated that during his Tuesday evening visit to Kalighat, he will directly interact with the affected artisans and shopkeepers. He will take a detailed account of the damages incurred and personally hand over financial compensation to the victims. Administrative sources further added that the Chief Minister might also hold discussions with local police officials regarding the overall security of the area and the progress of the ongoing investigation.

It is noteworthy that the police have already arrested three leaders of the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) - Srideep Das, Mohammed Taukir Alam, and Mohammed Irshad- in connection with the vandalism on November 6 and 7. A rigorous investigation is currently underway, leveraging CCTV footage and eyewitness testimonies to ascertain the involvement of any other individuals in the fracas. Political and administrative observers note that the incumbent Chief Minister's physical presence and direct intervention to aid victims in Harish Chatterjee Street-historically regarded as the stronghold of the former Chief Minister - holds immense political and administrative significance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh