Kolkata: Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari’s first administrative meeting with the MLAs of Kolkata, Howrah and South 24-Parganas saw politics take a backseat. Both Trinamool factions — the loyalists and the rebels — attended the meeting, including MLAs Firhad Hakim, Nayana Bandyopadhyay, Kunal Ghosh, Javed Khan, Ashok Deb and Arup Roy.According to Ghosh, a loyalist, CM Adhikari even told Khan, a rebel, that he should start regularising his buildings now. The statement was a reference to Khan’s kin and aides recently being slapped with demolition notices over illegal construction.The primary topic of discussion at the meeting was preparation for the monsoon. Detailed deliberations were held on waterlogging, drainage systems, disaster management, prevention of electrocution deaths, and maintaining coordination between departments. However, political circles felt the CM hosted this meeting with two clear objectives: to review administrative preparedness ahead of monsoon, and to send a message of coordination through direct talks with opposition MLAs. The meeting is being considered an important step to convey that the BJP govt intends to consult opposition MLAs and work collaboratively for the development of the state.The CM expressed his anguish over building rules being flouted in Kolkata, New Town and Howrah. He questioned Hakim and others about how water bodies along E M Bypass were being illegally filled, demanding the administration halt the practice immediately. He also directed officials to ensure fire safety norms are strictly enforced.Furthermore, he called for proper implementation of rural road projects, noting that most roads are currently in poor shape.Turning to the law-and-order situation, the CM announced that the Bengal Police would soon recruit 12,000 personnel while Kolkata Police would induct 3,000. Addressing complaints from several MLAs regarding the unavailability of drinking water, the CM directed officials to properly supervise the Jal Jeevan Mission and plug any misuse of funds.The CM also urged MLAs to keep tabs on colleges and inspect the infrastructure of educational institutes, assuring them that smart classes would be launched soon. He told the MLAs that the BJP govt has not halted any ongoing project initiated by the previous administration, emphasizing the need for absolute transparency in all projects, including panchayat works.Speaking after the meeting, Ghosh said he informed the CM that the police were ignoring opposition MLAs. “We are not speaking on behalf of those who have actually committed a crime. However, we requested that the matter be looked into so that innocent people do not become victims of harassment.” He added that the most significant takeaway from the meeting was the CM’s directive to the police and administration. Adhikari explicitly instructed that if an opposition MLA calls, the police must listen to their complaints carefully, and, after hearing the grievance, the administration’s stance must also be communicated back to the legislator concerned.Ghosh added that he submitted several development plans to the CM regarding his assembly constituency, Beleghata, including the dredging of the circular canal and Subhas Sarobar, the upgrade of hospitals and hawker rehabilitation.Ghosh claimed that when he proposed widening certain roads in Beleghata, the CM highlighted the necessity of removing encroachments, adding that he favored discussion before launching any eviction drive.
