6 days ago
KMC Removes TMC Billboard Amid Clash at Abhishek Banerjee’s Office
City officials went to remove a large TMC sign from a building in Kolkata.
They said the sign did not have the required permission.
Abhishek Banerjee and other TMC members questioned the notice and the reason for the action.
Private guards and supporters tried to stop officials and police from entering.
The disagreement became a pushing and jostling incident.
Derek O’Brien was seen falling on a staircase during the confusion.
Police and TMC gave different accounts of who behaved improperly.
The sign was eventually taken down, and police said 12 people were detained.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials and police dismantled an allegedly unauthorised Trinamool Congress billboard from Abhishek Banerjee’s Camac Street office building.
The operation escalated into pushing and jostling involving TMC leaders, supporters, private guards, civic officials and police.
Derek O’Brien was seen stumbling and falling on a staircase during the confrontation.
TMC questioned the notice’s validity and alleged political targeting, while KMC said the billboard violated municipal regulations.
Police said 12 people were detained and accused supporters of obstructing or assaulting officers; TMC cited about 10 to 15 detained workers.
- Who
- Abhishek Banerjee, Derek O’Brien, TMC leaders and supporters, private guards, Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials and Kolkata Police were involved.
- What
- KMC and Kolkata Police removed an allegedly unauthorised TMC billboard from the rooftop of Banerjee’s office building after a confrontation.
- Where
- The Camac Street office building in central Kolkata.
- When
- Thursday afternoon and evening; one image caption dates the incident August 27, 2026.
- Why
- KMC said the billboard lacked required permission and violated municipal regulations; TMC alleged improper authorisation and political targeting.
Civic Authorities and BJP
Trinamool Congress
Whether the billboard was lawful
Civic Authorities and BJP
KMC said the billboard was unauthorised, lacked required permission and had to be removed under municipal regulations. BJP leaders said the civic body was entitled to remove signage it considered illegal.
Trinamool Congress
TMC questioned the validity and completeness of the notice, argued that the sign was at its office on private property, and asked why similar nearby billboards had not been removed.
Conduct during the operation
Civic Authorities and BJP
Kolkata Police said TMC supporters obstructed public servants and allegedly assaulted police personnel during the operation.
Trinamool Congress
TMC leaders said police and civic officials forcibly entered the building, pushed or heckled leaders and supporters, and that women security personnel’s clothing was allegedly torn.
Political motivation
Civic Authorities and BJP
KMC described the action as an enforcement operation initiated after a complaint about the billboard. BJP figures said TMC could challenge the action in court but should not obstruct officials.
Trinamool Congress
Abhishek Banerjee and other TMC leaders alleged political vendetta and said the operation targeted the opposition, particularly before the party’s annual students’ rally.
Key facts
- Billboard
- The rooftop structure carried All India Trinamool Congress signage and faced the road.
- Civic action
- KMC advertisement officials dismantled the billboard and removed its flex and party banner with gas cutters and hammers.
- Notice dispute
- TMC leaders said the removal order lacked details including a date, signature, office seal, memo number and referenced photograph.
- TMC allegations
- Abhishek Banerjee and Derek O’Brien alleged that police and civic officials forcibly entered or attempted to enter the premises and heckled or pushed party personnel.
- Police account
- Kolkata Police said TMC workers and supporters obstructed officials and allegedly assaulted several policemen.
- Detentions
- Police reported 12 detentions, while O’Brien claimed that about 10 to 15 party workers were detained.
- Legal and political response
- Banerjee said TMC would approach the Calcutta High Court; BJP leaders defended the removal as enforcement of municipal rules.
Quotes
Abhishek Banerjee
Trinamul Congress MP and leader whose office housed the removed signboard
“This is an attempt to finish off the Trinamool Congress. Why is the BJP so afraid? We are not allowed to hold party meetings and rallies. Leaders are being attacked, party offices demolished, and billboards dismantled.”
rediff.com
“Why shouldn't TMC be allowed to put up its signboard at its office? The police are acting like BJP servants. We already approached the HC. Our matter is likely to be heard on Friday.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
KMC, Cops Remove TMC Signboard From Abhishek's Office Amidst Fight
Police, KMC Dismantle 'Unauthorized' Billboard At Abhishek Banerjee’s Office
Guards try to stop cops from entering Abhishek Banerjee's office to remove ‘illegal’ billboards
Chaos at Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Office as KMC Removes TMC Billboard, Derek O’Brien Falls Amid Clash
Chaos at Abhishek Banerjee's office as civic body removes TMC billboard
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