kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata, May 9, 2026: The official X (formerly Twitter) account of Kolkata Police has unfollowed former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The move comes at a politically sensitive time, coinciding with major changes in the state’s leadership structure and administrative positioning.

The change was noticed on the same day when West Bengal witnessed a high-profile swearing-in ceremony at the Brigade Parade Ground, where Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari took oath in the presence of top national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Social media activity observed on Saturday, the Kolkata Police X handle currently follows accounts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, reflecting a notable shift in its digital following pattern.

The timing of the change has drawn attention, especially as it coincides with a broader political transition in the state administration. Reports also indicate that several official designations on social media platforms have not yet been updated consistently across accounts. For instance, Suvendu Adhikari’s profile still reportedly displayed “Leader of Opposition” for a brief period after he had already assumed office as Chief Minister, while Mamata Banerjee’s account continued to show her designation as Chief Minister despite her term having officially ended following the dissolution of the previous assembly.

This development follows earlier administrative changes, including reductions in security cover for key political figures. After the election results, security arrangements outside Mamata Banerjee’s residence were reportedly scaled down, including the removal of barricades and security infrastructure that had been in place for years. Similar adjustments were also reported at Abhishek Banerjee’s residence in Santiniketan.

Police sources clarified that both leaders continue to receive security protection as per protocol. Mamata Banerjee is expected to retain security commensurate with her status as a former Chief Minister, while Abhishek Banerjee will continue to receive protection appropriate for a Member of Parliament. Authorities emphasized that no additional privileges beyond protocol-based security will be extended.

The decision of Kolkata Police to unfollow the two senior Trinamool Congress leaders on social media has further intensified political discussions, adding a symbolic digital dimension to the larger administrative and political changes unfolding in West Bengal.