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Regular-article-logo Wednesday, 30 October 2024

Preparations in party offices to keep Covid at bay

Even as politicians advocate social distancing, how much do they themselves adhere to the rules?

Arkamoy Datta Majumdar Published 15.06.20, 10:23 PM
An employee with the fogging machine inside the Trinamul Bhavan

An employee with the fogging machine inside the Trinamul Bhavan Picture by Arkamoy Datta Majumdar

Covid-19 has become a way of life and changed the way how Indian politicians operate. Leaders of all parties have been urging their supporters and the citizens to abide by the coronavirus guidelines. Even as politicians advocate social distancing, how much do they themselves adhere to the rules? The Telegraph finds out from the main offices of four major political parties in Calcutta.

Trinamul Congress

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Address: Trinamul Bhavan, 36G Topsia Road, Calcutta — 700039

New normal

1) Sanitisation twice a day with the help of a specialised equipment called fogging machine

2) One visitor allowed at a time through a smaller gate, instead of the main gate

3) Checking of each visitor’s body temperature

Leaderspeak: “If a group of people has come to meet a leader, we ask only one of them to get inside. We will not compromise with social distancing or other Covid-19 norms,” minister Rajib Banerjee said.

Preparedness: “No mask no entry” is strictly followed at the Trinamul headquarters. Press conferences are addressed by one leader at a time to avoid overcrowding. Security personnel ensure that there is no gathering on the premises.

BJP

Address: 6, Muralidhar Sen Lane, Chittaranjan Avenue, Calcutta — 700073

New normal

1) Two sanitiser gates, one at the entrance and the other in front of the press room

2) A sanitiser dispenser on the first floor

3) Virtual internal meetings over mobile applications such as Zoom and Google Duo

Leaderspeak: “The crowd is still thin since trains are unavailable. We will have to restrict the entry of overenthusiastic supporters to ensure our own safety,” BJP state general secretary Sayantan Basu said.

Preparedness: Paucity of space in the state BJP office has made it difficult to execute social distancing norms. Almost everyday, visitors seem to ignore the ‘Restricted Entry’ sign at the entrance of the second floor. Many in the crowd don’t have face masks on. They either hang around their neck or are inside their pockets.

The sanitiser gate at the entrance to the BJP office

The sanitiser gate at the entrance to the BJP office Picture by Arkamoy Datta Majumdar

Congress

Address: Bidhan Bhavan, E, 104, Dr Lal Mohan Bhattacharya Rd, Sealdah, Entally, Calcutta — 700014

New normal

1) Ten out of 20 staff work in alternative shifts. Each of them is equipped with masks, face shields and sanitisers

2) Change in sitting arrangement to ensure social distancing inside the room of 79-year-old WBPCC president Somen Mitra

3) Visitors allowed only after being scanned with thermal guns

Leaderspeak: “Our programmes and meetings are held virtually according to the instructions of the high command. We aim to stand beside the people at this hour of need,” state Congress leader Amitabha Chakraborty said.

Preparedness: Apart from Mitra, veteran Congress MP Pradip Bhattacharya is 75. The leader of Opposition in the Bengal Assembly, Abdul Mannan, is 68. The primary concern at Bidhan Bhavan is to ensure that these leaders come in contact with as few people as possible.

A man with a sanitiser outside the Bidhan Bhavan.

A man with a sanitiser outside the Bidhan Bhavan. Picture by Arkamoy Datta Majumdar

CPM

Address: Muzaffar Ahmed Bhavan, 31 Alimuddin St, Maula Ali, Taltala, Calcutta — 700016

New normal

1) Still in a shutdown mode

2) Most of the operations have been decentralised and carried out at local levels

3) Meetings of the state committees are held virtually

4) Rallies and demonstrations are organised by maintaining social distance

Leaderspeak: “On June 16,we will hold a nationwide protest to demand additional employment days and basic free ration.

However,we well ensure that social distance is maintained during the programme,” CPM politburo member Mohammed Salim said.

Preparedness: CPM leaders aren’t sure when the party office will start operating normally. Most leaders are senior citizens including left front chairman Biman Bose, who resides in Muzaffar Ahmed Bhavan itself. As of now party workers have been asked to stay off limits of Alimuddin Street.

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