On Friday, July 28, during a hearing on illegal construction in Kolkata, Calcutta HC (High Court) Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay remarked that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation could consider hiring a bulldozer from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s government.

Judge Gangopadhyay’s remark on bulldozers

The suggestion came up while the court was addressing a plea from a woman seeking protection after protesting against illegal construction in her area. Her lawyer informed the court that she was living in fear and unable to leave her house due to intimidation.

The judge asserted that intimidation and bullying would not be tolerated in cases of illegal construction. In a lighthearted manner, he addressed the lawyer representing the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, suggesting that they could borrow bulldozers from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath if the need arose.

Though sources close to the judge clarified that the remark was made in jest and was not recorded officially, it received criticism from some members of the ruling TMC in the state, who labelled the High Court judge as ‘anti-TMC.’

Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh made scathing remarks against Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, accusing him of seeking publicity and fame. Ghosh claimed that the judge’s comments about borrowing bulldozers from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were indicative of his lack of trust in the West Bengal BJP and his inclination towards the BJP. Ghosh also labelled the judge as anti-TMC, alleging that he constantly shifts his allegiance from one party to another without any regard for respect.

The TMC leader further asserted that the West Bengal government and the municipal corporation already have bulldozers and would not require assistance from other sources. He criticized the use of bulldozers in Uttar Pradesh, claiming that it had resulted in the deaths of women and members of the SC community due to the Yogi government’s actions.

In response to the judge’s remark, Kolkata’s Mayor Firhad Hakim expressed the corporation’s stance against illegal construction. He emphasized that they prioritize development and do not support any form of illegal activity.

BJP leader Shishir Bajoria opined that the judge’s remark showed the current state of affairs in West Bengal while adding that in the past Bengal was admired for its progressive thinking, but now it is known for illegal activities. Bajoria found it disheartening that the Calcutta High Court had to suggest hiring bulldozers from Uttar Pradesh to deal with illegal construction, implying that it reflects poorly on the efficiency of the state government and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

He went on to predict that this could potentially lead to the downfall of the current government and administration. Bajoria also criticized the TMC government and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, alleging that many activities in the corporation are conducted illegally and lack transparency. He accused the ruling party of being involved in such practices.

The Yogi bulldozer model to deal with illegal construction

During CM Yogi Adityanath’s tenure as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the use of a bulldozer has become symbolic of robust action against dreaded criminals and the rampant land mafia nexus that existed before his leadership. The land mafia, often in collusion with political figures, profited from illegal land dealings. CM Yogi’s government took decisive action without any discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, or colour when dealing with the land mafia.

Over time, the act of demolishing illegal properties constructed by criminals using bulldozers became synonymous with Yogi Adityanath’s governance, earning him the moniker “Bulldozer Baba.” This approach extended to notorious criminals such as Mukhtar Ansari, Ateeq Ahmed, Vikas Dubey, Vijay Mishra, and others, whose properties were bulldozed and seized. Even gangster Mohammad Asif alias Pappu Smart faced a demolition drive in Kanpur, where his illegal properties were flattened by the municipal corporation.

Under Yogi’s administration, the government successfully recovered illegally encroached land worth Rs 3,954 Crore, showcasing the government’s commitment to combating such illegal activities.