Kolkata: A bulldozer rally through New Market in Kolkata triggered fear among traders and roadside vendors after the Bharatiya Janata Party secured a large victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
The bulldozer moved from the Nizam’s restaurant side towards Hogg Market. Several men stood on the raised blade of the machine waving BJP flags while loud music played through speakers. Witnesses reported that roadside stalls and a hawker union office linked to the Trinamool Congress were demolished during the procession.
Local residents and traders described panic as the rally passed through the crowded market area, where many shops and stalls belong to Muslim owners. One witness said staff members at nearby restaurants switched off lights as the bulldozer approached. Workers at eateries reportedly gathered near entrances out of fear.
The rally began near Bertram Street and passed the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area before entering New Market. One demolished structure near the market was identified as the office of the North and Central Progressive Hawkers’ Union.
A hawker leader stated that threats were shouted at Muslim vendors during the procession. Another local representative said the demolished union office had earlier been marked as an unauthorised encroachment.
BJP leader Kali Khatik denied knowledge about who arranged the bulldozer for the rally. He claimed the demolished structure blocked access to nearby shops.
The use of bulldozers in political actions has drawn national attention in recent years. In November 2024, the Supreme Court criticised “bulldozer justice” and directed authorities to avoid demolitions without proper legal notice and an opportunity for appeal.
