Behind Mamata outburst over civic amenities, signs in LS results of shrinking urban footprint

BEHIND the recent outburst by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against officials and police personnel over the state of civic amenities appears to be data emerging from Lok Sabha election results showing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) trailing in urban wards of most districts as well as Assembly segments of many state ministers.

According to sources in the state Secretariat, of the total 121 municipalities in the state, the BJP was ahead in 69 in the Lok Sabha elections and the Congress in two, leaving the TMC leading in 50.

On July 1, the CM will reportedly hold a meeting with chairmen and top officials of all municipalities. Sources said the feedback received by Mamata showed that voters are angry with the TMC government over corruption and poor municipal services.

A TMC leader pointed out that after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, in which the BJP stunned the state by winning 18 seats, the TMC had launched ‘Didi ke bolo (Tell Didi)’ programme’ to counter public anger. “Similarly, this time Mamata is targeting leaders and councillors of urban local bodies against whom there is anger among the local people.”

At Monday’s review meeting, the CM slammed officials, apart from MLAs, party leaders, councillors and police officers, over the state of civic amenities, particularly the encroachment of footpaths and roads. Accusing them of allowing the illegal constructions, Mamata said, “The government will not take the blame for the actions of some individuals and municipalities.”

The CM formed a committee comprising officials from the CID, Vigilance Department and other government officials to review the situation over illegal constructions and land grabbing.

The CM also threatened exemplary punishment against offenders, using a