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Kolkata Ward Delimitation Hearings Begin Amid Boundary and Political Concerns
Officials have started listening to complaints about Kolkata’s proposed new ward boundaries.
A ward is an area used to organize a city for local elections and services.
The plan would increase the number of Kolkata Municipal Corporation wards from 144 to 209.
Some residents said the new boundaries split neighbourhoods or public facilities.
Opposition parties questioned why the process did not wait for the ongoing Census.
Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh said the boundaries were based on voters rather than population.
BJP representatives said the plan was based on ward population and contained no irregularities.
The hearings will last four days and end on Wednesday, September 9.
Officials are expected to publish a final report and updated map afterward.
Hearings on claims and objections to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s draft ward map began Saturday.
The draft proposes increasing KMC wards from 144 to 209, adding 65 wards.
Residents objected to boundaries that divide neighbourhoods and public amenities.
Opposition parties questioned the process, including its timing before the ongoing Census.
BJP representatives defended the delimitation, while Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh alleged irregularities.
- Who
- Kolkata residents, political representatives, Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, state government officers, Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh, and BJP representatives.
- What
- Hearings began on claims and objections to a draft that would increase Kolkata Municipal Corporation wards from 144 to 209.
- Where
- Designated chambers on the first floor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation headquarters on S.N. Banerjee Road.
- When
- The hearings began Saturday and are scheduled to continue for four days, ending Wednesday, September 9.
- Why
- The hearings are being held to consider objections to the proposed ward boundaries before a final delimitation report and updated map are published.
Critics and Opponents
Government and BJP Representatives
Basis for delimitation
Critics and Opponents
Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh alleged that the process was based on voters rather than population and called it irregular.
Government and BJP Representatives
BJP representatives said the delimitation was based on ward population and that there were no irregularities.
Timing and consultation
Critics and Opponents
Opposition parties questioned why the government did not wait for the ongoing Census and criticised the absence of an all-party meeting.
Government and BJP Representatives
The government proceeded with the draft and held hearings to receive claims and objections; the articles do not report a direct response to the consultation criticism.
Impact of new boundaries
Critics and Opponents
Residents said the proposed borders cut through neighbourhoods or divided public amenities.
Government and BJP Representatives
Officials are considering the objections, with a final report and updated map expected after the hearings.
Key facts
- Proposed wards
- 209
- Current wards
- 144
- Increase
- 65 wards
- Hearing duration
- Four days, ending Wednesday, September 9
- Hearing location
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation headquarters on S.N. Banerjee Road
- Main resident concern
- New boundaries divide neighbourhoods or public amenities
- Expected next step
- Publication of the final delimitation report and updated map
Quotes
Senior KMC official
Kolkata Municipal Corporation official discussing the expected next steps.
“The delimitation should have been carried out based on population. Instead, it’s being done based on voters. The whole idea is to help the BJP ahead of the civic elections.”
telegraphindia.com
“After the hearings conclude, the final delimitation report and the official updated map of the 209 KMC wards are expected to be published.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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