Krishnagar municipality: TMC councillors’ no-confidence against chairperson
The Statesman | 13 July 2025
The ruling Trinamul Congress in Krishnagar municipality is grappling with one of its most intense internal conflicts in recent memory. In a dramatic turn of events, 15 councillors, including 13 from the TMC, have signed a fresh no-confidence motion against municipal chairperson Rita Das, accusing her of undemocratic functioning and financial improprieties that have brought civic administration to a grinding halt.
This is not the first time discontented councillors have voiced their dissent. A previous no-confidence bid was effectively stonewalled by the chairperson’s inaction, as she failed to convene the mandatory board meeting. Undeterred, the dissidents have now directly approached vice-chairperson Naresh Das, urging him to call a special session within seven days in accordance with municipal law. The written appeal has already reached the administrative corridors, with sub-divisional officer Sharadwati Chowdhury confirming that she has received the official communication.
The standoff has severely impacted the functioning of the municipality. With the monsoon battering the region, several key development projects remain suspended, and basic civic amenities lie in disarray. From waterlogging to uncollected waste, the urban sprawl of Krishnagar is suffering under a cloud of administrative apathy and political bickering.
The renewed no-confidence motion, dated 25 June, bears the signatures of 15 councillors, 13 from the TMC, along with Congress councillor Shantashree Saha from Ward 14 and Independent councillor Asit Saha. With one councillor deceased, the effective strength of the municipal board stands at 24, making the rebel faction a decisive majority.
The signatories have raised several serious allegations against chairperson Das. Chief among them is the failure to present the municipal budget for discussion, a violation of basic governance norms. Additionally, she has been accused of bypassing the chairman-in-council to unilaterally approve tenders—decisions that should, by law, go through collective deliberation. Financial irregularities relating to the procurement of bitumen drums have also surfaced, casting further shadows on the administration’s transparency.
These concerns were recently taken up at a high-level closed-door meeting attended by Nadia district magistrate Arun Prasad, superintendent of police Amarnath K, sub-divisional officer Sharadwati Chowdhury, and other senior officials. Though no conclusive resolution emerged, the presence of top bureaucrats signalled the administration’s growing concern over the deteriorating situation.
Councillor Shantashree Saha of the Congress, one of the signatories to the motion, said: “The condition of Krishnagar during the rainy season is pathetic. Civic services have collapsed. The chairperson refuses to act. In the greater interest of development, we are compelled to move forward with this motion,” she said.
While the dissenting voices grow louder, the Trinamul’s upper leadership remains reticent. Krishnagar MP and district president Mahua Moitra had earlier noted that the matter has been referred to the party’s high command, but declined to elaborate further.
Under the provisions of the West Bengal Municipal Act, if the chairperson fails to summon a meeting within a stipulated time after receiving a no-confidence notice, the vice-chairperson is authorised to do so. Following this protocol, 14 councillors have now placed their request before vice-chairperson Naresh Das.
As the deadlock intensifies, Krishnagar’s municipal board teeters on the edge of collapse, held hostage by a power struggle playing out behind closed doors, an administrative officials said adding that for the citizens, the price of political brinkmanship is already being paid—in flooded streets, stagnant drains, and a silence that continues from the leadership when action is needed most.