Kolkata Muslim Colony Faces 35-Day Water Crisis, BJP Discrimination Allegations

Residents of Jyotinagar, a Muslim-majority colony in north Kolkata, have faced a severe water crisis for 35 days following pipeline repair work by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Five public taps remain dry, forcing families to rely on the polluted Ganga or purchase water from tankers. Locals allege political discrimination by BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari, accusing him of refusing to serve Muslims after the election and labeling residents as illegal immigrants. Tiwari denies the claims, attributing the shortage to maintenance work. The crisis has affected children's education and religious practices. Around 500 families, many dependent on daily-wage labor, struggle financially due to water costs. Legal help has been sought, and a stay order obtained against alleged eviction threats. Critics also blame the local Trinamool Congress councillor for inadequate response.