Left Front Councillors Stage Protest — The monthly board meeting of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Thursday witnessed high drama and political confrontation as councillors of the Left Front staged a walkout, accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leadership of acting “unfairly and undemocratically.” The protest erupted after Left councillor Saradindu Chakraborty (CPI-M) was allegedly interrupted multiple times by TMC members while raising pressing urban issues such as worsening traffic congestion and poor civic infrastructure.
The walkout marks another flashpoint in the escalating rivalry between the ruling TMC and the opposition Left in Siliguri’s civic body, reflecting growing discontent over governance style, decorum, and the handling of developmental debates.
Left Front Councillors Stage Protest: Heated Exchanges and Political Barbs
The meeting began with Left councillor Saradindu Chakraborty raising questions about the worsening traffic congestion in Siliguri and calling for immediate action by the civic body. However, his address was interrupted by TMC councillor Md Alam Khan, who remarked that the Left had no moral ground to criticize given its three-decade-long control over SMC prior to TMC’s tenure.
Witnesses said the repeated interruptions led to an uproar. The Left councillors protested against what they called “systematic silencing” by the TMC members and the apparent reluctance of the chairman to maintain order. Within minutes, all four Left Front councillors walked out in unison, chanting slogans against “undemocratic governance.”
After the walkout, the meeting continued with only TMC councillors present, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders across North Bengal.
Left Front’s Reaction: ‘Voice of the People Suppressed’
CPI(M) councillor Nurul Islam, a senior member of the Left Front in SMC, condemned the chairman’s handling of the situation.
“We were raising legitimate civic concerns, not political propaganda. Yet, our voices were continuously interrupted. This shows the TMC’s intolerance and its unwillingness to allow democratic debate,” said Islam outside the SMC office.
The Left councillors later met the media, claiming that citizens of Siliguri were being deprived of transparent and accountable governance. They demanded an apology from the TMC leadership and assurance that opposition voices would be allowed equal participation in future meetings.
TMC’s Defence: ‘The Left Should Introspect Instead of Disrupting’
Responding to the protest, SMC Mayor Gautam Deb defended the ruling party, saying:
“The Left Front ruled Siliguri for more than 30 years, leaving the city in disarray. Now, when we are rebuilding, they are playing political theatre. They should participate constructively instead of walking out.”
TMC councillors alleged that the walkout was pre-planned to attract attention and divert focus from the developmental agenda of the meeting, which included upcoming road renovation projects and the new traffic management scheme.
Underlying Issue: Traffic and Urban Discontent
The spark that triggered the walkout — Siliguri’s worsening traffic chaos — is among the city’s most pressing concerns. Long queues, lack of parking spaces, and poor traffic management have frustrated residents for years.
Chakraborty’s proposal reportedly included:
- Deployment of additional traffic personnel during peak hours.
- Introduction of time-regulated parking systems.
- Collaboration with the North Bengal Development Department for road widening.
- Creating pedestrian-only zones in congested markets.
However, the proposal was derailed amid the heated exchanges, leaving no resolution in sight.
Political Context: A Battle for Civic Credibility
Siliguri’s civic body has historically been a political microcosm of Bengal’s larger state politics. Once a Left Front stronghold, SMC has in recent years turned into a TMC-dominated institution, though the Left remains a vocal opposition presence.
The latest incident reveals how even civic meetings have become arenas for political sparring. Analysts say the walkout could strengthen the Left’s public image as a “silenced opposition” while allowing TMC to project authority — a familiar dynamic in Bengal’s current political landscape.
Governance Concerns and Democratic Integrity
Local governance experts argue that frequent disruptions in civic meetings damage the credibility of municipal governance and delay policy implementation.
Dr. Anupam Chatterjee, a political analyst at North Bengal University, observed:
“Democratic functioning in municipal bodies is essential for transparency and efficiency. Walkouts are symbolic but do not solve the actual civic issues citizens face. The SMC must prioritize cooperative governance over confrontation.”
The event also raises broader questions about how opposition parties are accommodated in local bodies, especially in politically polarized states like West Bengal.
Citizens’ Reactions: Frustration Over Political Drama
Residents of Siliguri expressed disappointment over the recurring political theatrics. Many citizens noted that while political disputes dominate headlines, on-ground issues such as potholes, garbage disposal, and traffic jams remain neglected.
“We voted for solutions, not shouting matches,” said Priya Dey, a local business owner from Hill Cart Road.
“Both parties are more focused on one-upmanship than solving real issues,” added another resident.
Local civic groups have called for public forums where citizens can directly engage with municipal officials without political interference.
Steps Forward: Need for Dialogue and Reform
The SMC leadership has announced that the next board meeting will include an agenda item to discuss “decorum and conduct” in official sessions. Meanwhile, the Left Front has stated that it will attend future meetings only if assured of equal speaking time and uninterrupted participation.
Potential reforms being considered include:
- Enforcing stricter time management rules for debates.
- Creating a “Code of Conduct” for councillors.
- Introducing live-streamed civic meetings for transparency.
Such reforms could prevent future confrontations and help restore citizens’ faith in local governance.
Wider Implications: Political Decorum and Public Accountability
The walkout incident goes beyond one meeting — it reflects a growing crisis of decorum in West Bengal’s civic institutions. Political analysts warn that the erosion of mutual respect between ruling and opposition benches undermines both policy continuity and public trust.
At a time when Siliguri is grappling with critical issues — from traffic congestion to waste management and urban planning — the focus on political blame games risks derailing tangible progress.
Conclusion: A Warning Sign for Bengal’s Civic Politics
The Left Front’s walkout from the Siliguri Municipal Corporation meeting stands as a symbolic protest against what the opposition perceives as the centralization of power and erosion of democratic debate within local institutions.
While the TMC maintains its dominance, the Left’s act of defiance has reignited conversations about fairness, representation, and accountability in local governance. As Siliguri’s citizens await action on urban challenges, both sides will face growing pressure to shift from confrontation to collaboration.
Ultimately, the real test lies not in who controls the microphone, but in who delivers results on the streets.
External References:
- West Bengal Municipal Election Overview (Government Portal)
- Siliguri Municipal Corporation Official Website
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