Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Kolkata Councillor Pushes for Public Access to Colonial Archives
A councillor in Kolkata wants to make old records from the city's colonial times available to everyone.
These records include important speeches and details about historical events.
The councillor thinks this is important because some people are trying to change or hide the truth about history.
The records are kept in a building called Town Hall, which has many books and documents.
Some other politicians think the idea might not be sincere, but the main person in charge of the city council supported the idea.
The records include things like speeches from famous leaders and details about a big famine and riots that happened a long time ago.
Trinamool councillor Arup Chakraborty proposed public access to KMC's colonial archives to counter historical distortion.
Proposal includes digitizing records and establishing a museum and resource center at Town Hall.
Archives contain speeches by C.R. Das, Subhas Chandra Bose, and accounts of the Bengal Famine and 1946 riots.
BJP councillor Vijay Ojha questioned the proposal's intent, suggesting potential malice.
KMC chairperson Mala Roy supported Ojha's right to speak during the debate.
- Who
- Arup Chakraborty, a Trinamool councillor, proposed public access to KMC's colonial archives. BJP councillor Vijay Ojha responded with skepticism.
- What
- A proposal to make KMC's colonial archives accessible to the public, including digitization of records.
- When
- The proposal was made during the KMC council meeting on Thursday.
- Where
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) archives, with proposed access at Town Hall.
- Why
- To counter efforts to distort history and provide access to scholars and journalists.
- Proponent
- Arup Chakraborty (Trinamool Councillor, Ward 98)
- Location of Archives
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)
- Proposed Access Point
- Town Hall, Kolkata
- Significant Historical Records
- Speeches of C.R. Das, Subhas Chandra Bose, and accounts of the Bengal Famine of 1943 and 1946 riots
- BJP Criticism
- Allegations of misrepresentation of historical figures like Raja Rammohan Roy and Rabindranath Tagore
- BJP Response
- Councillor Vijay Ojha questioned the proposal's intent, suggesting potential malice
- KMC Chairperson
- Mala Roy
- Archives Content
- Over 12,000 books and documents, including rare pictures and speeches