After Samik’s warning, Kamarhati board collapses in 17 days
Times of India | 22 July 2026
Kolkata: After Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya read the riot act, the newly formed Kamarhati Municipality board collapsed on Tuesday — just 17 days after its formation — following the resignation of chairman Sushanta Chatterjee and 18 councillors.
Independent councillor from Ward No. 15 Sushanta Chatterjee, brother of BJP state general secretary Locket Chatterjee, was elected chairman on July 3, following the resignation of former Trinamool chairman Gopal Saha and three other Trinamool councillors on June 12. His elevation triggered controversy, with the board widely perceived as BJP-backed despite the party’s official stance. Bhattacharya demanded a report on the overnight installation, warning that unapproved board changes could invite disciplinary action.
The collapse has refuelled political speculation in Kamarhati, where MLA Madan Mitra recently joined the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel Trinamool camp.
On Tuesday afternoon, Chatterjee submitted his resignation to the Barrackpore SDO, while 18 representatives emailed theirs to the municipality. Later, he told TOI: “Some councillors were threatened that FIRs would be lodged against them if they did not resign. Fearing repercussions, they resigned. Following their exit, I too stepped down as chairman and councillor.”
BJP North Kolkata district vice-president Mrinal Mukherjee said, “I fail to understand why they formed the board and resigned so soon. There was no BJP councillor on it, and it had no organisational connection with the party. However, with the board dissolved, residents risk losing essential civic services. We hope an administrator is appointed immediately.”