Siliguri, 04th July: CPI(M) leaders held a protest rally and sit-in demonstration outside the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Thursday, accusing the civic body of failing to deliver essential services and ensure infrastructure development in the city.
Led by veteran CPI(M) leaders Ashok Bhattacharya and Jibesh Sarkar, the rally began from Anil Biswas Bhavan and culminated in a demonstration outside the SMC office. The protestors raised concerns over deteriorating roads, poor drainage, and overall administrative stagnation.
Speaking at the protest, Ashok Bhattacharya alleged that the current municipal board is not only neglecting development but is also involved in corruption, leading to growing public distress. He cautioned of launching a larger agitation if the situation does not improve.
In response, Deputy Mayor Ranjan Sarkar dismissed the charges, stating that CPI(M) had failed to deliver during its tenure. He claimed all visible progress in Siliguri has occurred under the Trinamool Congress and questioned the former mayor’s own development record.