Kolkata: KMC officials on Saturday broke open the lock on the main gate of Padmapukur Park in Entally, restoring public access to the neighbourhood ground that had been shut since Aug 14 following a dispute between two local BJP factions over the right to organise a Durga Puja there.
The park became the centre of a political tussle after preparations began for what was described as the first Durga Puja at the Padmapukur ground. The dispute reportedly surfaced during the khuti puja ceremony. Members of the rival groups allegedly argued over who would control the event and handle the arrangements.
Tension escalated after banners put up for the proposed puja were allegedly torn down and the khuti, or the ceremonial post, was uprooted and thrown away. The incident triggered protests by BJP workers outside Entally police station, where a section of them briefly locked the main gate and demanded immediate arrests of those involved.
Police later registered an FIR and several people were detained in connection with the incident.
Amid the continuing friction, one of the BJP groups allegedly locked the main gate. Local people complained to the civic authorities that they were being denied access to the park. Acting on the complaints, KMC officials reached the spot on Saturday with police personnel and reclaimed the park. A KMC official said no group could be allowed to block access to a public park.