Kolkata: Muslims reside without water for month; say BJP MLA’s act

Kolkata: Nearly 5,000 residents of Jyotinagar Colony in Kolkata’s Cossipore region, most of them Muslims, have been struggling without a regular water supply for almost a month, forcing families to depend on the Ganga for basic needs. Residents have alleged that the crisis has a communal and political dimension, pointing to earlier remarks by local BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari that he would not work for minorities who did not vote for him, according to a report by Siasat.

Jyotinagar falls under Ward 6 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and is locally known as Molla Para because of its predominantly Muslim population. The colony also has a smaller Hindu population, with residents saying both communities have historically shared the hardships of life in the locality.

According to residents, KMC workers repaired a water pipeline on July 27, with the work completed two days later. However, the water supply was allegedly disconnected around 11.30 pm on July 29. Residents claimed that Hindu-majority neighbourhoods along the same road continued to receive water, while their locality subsequently experienced electricity disruptions as well.

The shortage has created serious risks for children and families. Residents said children have been forced to bathe and collect water in the Ganga, with several reportedly falling into the river. Parents have also stopped sending some children to school due to concerns about safety and hygiene.

The crisis has also affected the local Jama Masjid, where water for wudu has reportedly been cut off. Residents said they have been forced to use dirty water or travel long distances to perform ablution.

The allegations have gained a sharper communal edge because of comments attributed to Tiwari after his victory from the Kashipur-Belgachia constituency. In a widely circulated video, the BJP MLA was heard saying he would not undertake work for minorities who had not supported him. Residents have linked those remarks to the current situation and accused authorities of deliberately depriving their neighbourhood of essential services. They have also reported alleged threats of eviction from local BJP workers.

The claims have not been established as fact. Still, the prolonged disruption has intensified fears among residents who say official authorities have failed to provide a lasting solution despite repeated complaints.

The CPI(M) and Pashchimbanga Basti Unnayan Samiti have been arranging KMC water tankers every three or four days. However, residents and local CPI(M) leaders say a single tanker costing around Rs 700 is grossly inadequate for a population of 5,000.

CPI(M) local branch secretary Alamgir Biswas said authorities had been informed nearly a month earlier and that both police and the corporation had received complaints. The party also worked to restore electricity to streetlights in the colony on August 26.

Meanwhile, residents have accused Ward 6 councillor Suman Singh of the Trinamool Congress of being inaccessible during the crisis.

The Pashchimbanga Basti Unnayan Samiti has also approached the court over fears of eviction. CPI(M) leader Shamim Ahmad, who is pursuing the case, said a stay order had been obtained against eviction. Yet despite legal protections, the water crisis in Jyotinagar remains unresolved, leaving residents to question why a basic public service has become a source of such prolonged distress.