TMC MLAs Meet Chief Minister Over Mamata Banerjee's Security Arrangements

Five Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs—Kunal Ghosh, Madan Mitra, Ashok Deb, Abdur Rahim Boksi, and Shobhan Deb Chatterjee—met West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari on Thursday to address concerns regarding former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's security arrangements. The delegation sought to restore her long-serving personal security officers (PSOs), Swaroop Goswami and Kusum Kumar Dwivedi, who have protected her for approximately 20 years and were recently reassigned as part of a duty roster rotation.

The security changes were implemented Wednesday when the two trusted PSOs were withdrawn from Banerjee's Kalighat residence and replaced with three officers, sparking immediate protests from TMC workers and party leaders. The state government maintains that Banerjee continues to receive Z-Plus security—approximately 50 personnel—in accordance with official protocols. However, TMC leaders argue that the sudden reassignment of her most experienced security staff constitutes an act of retribution by the ruling government. State ministers have dismissed the complaints, stating that duty roster changes are standard procedure and that security protocols cannot accommodate personal preferences.

Beyond security matters, the MLAs also raised grievances about their assembly accommodations and the demolition of street vendor structures without adequate rehabilitation plans. After the meeting, Kunal Ghosh told journalists that the Chief Minister assured the delegation they would receive separate office spaces and time to address their concerns. The incident reflects ongoing tensions between the opposition TMC and the ruling administration in West Bengal, with party leaders claiming the government is adopting a vengeful approach toward the former chief minister.