Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 17, 2025, Kolkata: Allegations have surfaced against Trinamool Congress (TMC) councilor Lipika Manna of Ward No. 107 in Kolkata, accusing her of disconnecting water taps in certain localities as a punitive measure for not voting. Several residents claim that they were warned of water supply cuts if they failed to vote in favor of the ruling party.
A total of 40 families have lodged a complaint with Borough Chairman Sushant Ghosh, stating that the councilor had explicitly mentioned that water facilities would be restricted for non-voters. A local resident expressed frustration, stating that water taps could no longer be installed in the area due to objections, allegedly because of the presence of a nearby school. The resident further emphasized the hardships faced in fetching water from distant locations. He also mentioned that while locals are frequently called to attend meetings and political processions, they often choose not to participate. However, they claim that the councilor insists on their daily presence at the party office, despite their non-affiliation with any political group.
An elderly woman, who had approached the councilor with a petition, recounted the experience, stating that she was treated with extreme rudeness. She added that when she expressed her inability to join political processions due to her age, her concerns were disregarded.
Reports indicate that four water taps in the affected area have allegedly been relocated to the banks of a nearby canal, exacerbating the residents’ struggles. Addressing the grievances, Borough Chairman Sushant Ghosh acknowledged that he had received a petition a month ago regarding the ongoing water crisis, which, according to locals, has persisted for the past 12 to 13 years. Residents claim that four water connections were severed near Narkelbagan, prompting them to seek intervention.
In response, Ghosh stated that upon receiving the complaint, he immediately sought clarification from the borough executive. Officials informed him that the lines had not been permanently cut but were temporarily disconnected to investigate water distribution issues. He assured the residents that necessary steps would be taken to restore the supply. Emphasizing the importance of equal access to public utilities, Ghosh asserted that voting preferences should never be a determinant for the provision of essential services.
