A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari of orchestrating the removal of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's personal security officer (PSO), who had reportedly been assigned to her for over two decades.
The TMC strongly criticized the move, describing it as an act of political vendetta and alleging that it was intended to isolate and endanger the veteran leader. The controversy intensified after TMC leaders claimed that Banerjee’s trusted security officer was suddenly withdrawn and replaced with new personnel, whom she reportedly declined to accept.
Speaking to reporters, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee condemned the decision, calling it “autocratic” and motivated by a “vindictive attitude.” He argued that personal security arrangements are based largely on trust and confidence, particularly for high-profile political figures.
“It is very unfortunate that Mamata Banerjee's PSO, who had been with her for 20 years, has been taken away. New PSOs may have been assigned, but she did not accept them. A PSO is a matter of confidence. This reflects a very vindictive attitude on the part of the Chief Minister,” Banerjee said.
The issue gained further attention on Thursday night when TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien shared a video on social media from outside Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata. In the video, he alleged that the former chief minister’s long-serving security personnel had been removed and claimed there was no visible security presence outside her home.
The TMC later issued a strongly worded statement on social media, asserting that the removal of security personnel who had protected Banerjee for years was not a routine administrative decision but a “calculated move” aimed at compromising her safety. The party noted that some of the officers had been associated with Banerjee since her tenure as Railway Minister.
Taking direct aim at Suvendu Adhikari, the TMC accused him of pursuing “vendetta politics” and abusing power for political purposes. The party alleged that the decision reflected insecurity and personal animosity rather than administrative necessity.
Responding to the controversy, BJP MLA Asim Sarkar maintained that Mamata Banerjee would continue to receive all security benefits and protection that are legally entitled to a former chief minister. He dismissed concerns that her security had been compromised.
The dispute comes at a politically sensitive time for the ruling TMC. Reports indicate growing internal dissent within the party, with as many as 58 TMC legislators allegedly forming a separate faction in the West Bengal Assembly. The development has added to the political uncertainty within the state and intensified the ongoing confrontation between rival camps.
As the controversy over Mamata Banerjee’s security arrangements continues to escalate, it has once again highlighted the deepening political divisions in West Bengal, with both the TMC and BJP trading sharp accusations over governance, power, and political conduct.
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