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
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 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. 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.
