The devastating fire that engulfed over 1,300 shops at the historic Orphan Ganj Bazar in Khidirpur has sparked a political storm in West Bengal, with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of orchestrating a conspiracy to displace traders and pave the way for private development.
🔥 Massive Blaze Triggers Political Uproar
The fire broke out shortly after 1 AM on Monday, rapidly spreading due to the congested layout of the market. Despite the deployment of 20 fire engines, the blaze took hours to control, leaving behind charred remains and shattered livelihoods.
🗣️ Adhikari Questions Speed of Government Response
Visiting the site with BJP leaders Arjun Singh and Shankudeb Panda, Adhikari questioned how the Chief Minister could “arrange alternate space so quickly”, suggesting the move was premeditated.
“The entire area, barring this market, is already sold out. Now suddenly, the CM offers compensation and relocation? This reeks of a larger plan,” he said.
He further alleged that the government intends to hand over the land to private investors for constructing shopping malls, sidelining the interests of small traders.
💰 Compensation Announced, But Traders Skeptical
CM Mamata Banerjee, who visited the site later in the day, announced ₹1 lakh for fully gutted shops and ₹50,000 for partially damaged ones, along with a promise to rebuild the market scientifically. However, many traders remain unconvinced and have refused to vacate the site.
🧯 Locals Blame Delayed Fire Response
Residents and shopkeepers alleged that fire engines arrived late, exacerbating the damage. “Had they come on time, much of the market could have been saved,” said a local vendor.
🏛️ Adhikari to Raise Issue in Assembly
Adhikari has vowed to bring the matter up in the West Bengal Assembly on June 19, demanding a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and the government’s intentions regarding the land.
