States » EastPosted at: Nov 10 2026 9:13PM


Suvendu turns Mamata’s neighbourhood into political stage

Kolkata, Nov 10 (UNI) Turning the narrow lanes of Harish Chatterjee Street into an unlikely political stage, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday walked past the residence of his predecessor Mamata Banerjee, stopping at one Kali Puja pandal after another, greeting residents, exchanging pleasantries with elderly people, showering affection on children and obliging neighbours with autographs.

The enthusiastic reception, the crowds following him and the spectacle of the BJP chief minister moving through the heart of Mamata’s political neighbourhood made the visit an unmistakable show of strength, carrying a message well beyond the customary round of Kali Puja festivities.

The visit was politically charged, coming barely days after a confrontation outside the residence of Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, where Mamata and Abhishek had alleged that BJP supporters attacked Trinamool workers who had gathered to greet the latter on his birthday.

With the political temperature still high following the incident, Suvendu’s presence in the neighbourhood of the former chief minister added another dimension to the unfolding political contest.

Walking through the street, including past 30B Harish Chatterjee Street, Mamata’s residence, the chief minister appeared at ease amid the crowd, interacting with local residents and posing for photographs.

Suvendu began his visit at Kalighat Shibshakti Sangha, the Kali Puja organised by Mamata’s younger brother Swapan (Babun) Banerjee, whose club is located close to the former chief minister’s house.

Babun was waiting with a garland of lotus flowers, a picture of Lord Jagannath and other gifts.

He touched Suvendu’s feet and then Suvendu offered a garland to the Kali idol and participated in the aarti.

Asked about his presence at the club, he said, “I am the MLA of this area. Her (Mamata’s) brother invited me, so I have come here.”

Babun, meanwhile, described Suvendu as a “people’s Chief Minister” and said he would remain wherever the Chief Minister wanted him to be, adding that he would join the BJP if asked to do so.

He also claimed that Suvendu had done more work in six months than Mamata had done during her tenure.

The Chief Minister subsequently visited other puja committees in the area, including Sebak Sangha and Yubak Sangha, where he participated in special rituals ahead of the conclusion of the festivities.

The two pujas had earlier invited him for their inaugurations, but he could not attend, following which Mamata inaugurated them over the weekend.


His eventual appearance at the pandals was therefore also seen as an attempt to establish his presence among local organisers and residents in a neighbourhood long associated with the Trinamool supremo.

The political significance of the visit, however, extended beyond the individual invitations.

For years, Harish Chatterjee Street and its adjoining lanes have been closely identified with Mamata and her political journey.

Political observers believe that Suvendu’s decision to walk through the area, engage directly with residents and receive such an enthusiastic welcome offered a carefully visible contrast between the former chief minister's traditional neighbourhood influence and the new political establishment.

Coming after the confrontation outside Abhishek’s residence, the visit also carried an unmistakable political undertone: the BJP leadership was willing to take its contest with the Banerjee family right into its familiar territory.

Though Suvendu did not utter a word against Mamata, his walk through her neighbourhood, amid cheering crowds and an unmistakable show of strength, conveyed a political message that was loud and clear.
UNI SAG BM
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