Trinamool Congress alleges security personnel removed from Mamata Banerjee's residence
Image Source: Indian Express
Kolkata, June 17: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that the personal security officers (PSOs) of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were removed from her residence late Wednesday night, calling it a “calculated move” to isolate and endanger her.
In a video posted on social media, TMC MP Derek O’Brien said that Banerjee’s PSOs, who had served her for 20 years, were moved out. O’Brien added that he had parked his car at the entrance to block it, stating, “No security.”
The party posted on X, accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari of “insecurity-driven abuse of power” and asserted that the removal was not routine administrative action but a deliberate attempt to harm Banerjee.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that Banerjee, a three-time chief minister and seven-term MP, was being “humiliated and put at risk by a vengeful BJP government”. She contrasted this with the security provided to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.
As of the time of reporting, the West Bengal government and the state police had not issued any official statement regarding the alleged change in Banerjee’s security detail. It is not clear whether the removal was a temporary or permanent measure, nor have any reasons been officially given. Security arrangements for former chief ministers and high-profile political figures are sometimes altered due to threat assessments or administrative reviews, but no such explanation has been provided in this case.
The incident has escalated political tensions in the state, with the TMC accusing the ruling party of targeting Banerjee. The BJP has yet to respond to the allegations.
