Premium

After Mamata’s ‘surveillance’ and ‘over-activity’ allegations, Bengal Govt sends special police team to secure Banga Bhavan in Delhi

Nabanna officials clarified that the force is tasked with internal security, gate control, and ensuring the safety of personnel currently in Delhi for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the West Bengal electoral roll.

3 min readKolkataFeb 3, 2026 01:21 PM IST

CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that state representatives' movements were being monitored by central agencies in a manner that violates India’s federal structure. (file)

In an unprecedented escalation of the ongoing friction between the West Bengal government and the Centre, the Mamata Banerjee-led administration has dispatched a special state police contingent to New Delhi to take over security duties at Banga Bhavan.

The move follows serious allegations made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who accused the Delhi Police of “surveillance” and “over-activity” since her arrival in the national capital Sunday.

On Monday night, a 22-member tactical team from the West Bengal Police arrived at Delhi airport and immediately moved to Banga Bhavan, the state’s primary guest house in the Capital. The deployment, sanctioned by the Nabanna, the state Secretariat, is a rare instance of a state force being mobilised to secure its premises within the Delhi Police’s jurisdiction.

Also read | Why Mamata Banerjee has brought the fight against BJP to Delhi

The Special Contingent includes 22 officers and jawans from the RAF Second Battalion. A significant portion of the team consists of women police personnel, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and an inspector-ranked officer. The team is operating under the direct instructions of the newly appointed Director General of State Police, Piyush Pandey, who is currently stationed in Delhi.

The decision was triggered by the Chief Minister’s direct confrontation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Banerjee alleged that state representatives’ movements were being monitored by central agencies in a manner that violates India’s federal structure.

Also read | Not surprised by CM’s remarks… What’s her plan for state, asks BJP

“This surveillance on representatives of an elected state government is against the spirit of the Constitution,” said an official.

Nabanna officials clarified that the force is tasked with internal security, gate control, and ensuring the safety of personnel currently in Delhi for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the West Bengal electoral roll.

Story continues below this ad

While the Bengal Government maintains this is a non-confrontational measure to ensure safety, the Opposition has hit back. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised the move, claiming it is a deliberate attempt to intensify the centre-state conflict and challenge the authority of the Delhi Police.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Mamata

Loading Taboola...