The newly formed Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has reportedly brought in two dozen bulldozers from Uttar Pradesh to launch a large-scale demolition drive across Siliguri and adjoining areas. The development has triggered sharp reactions, with the operation already being described as the adoption of the “Yogi Model” in Bengal.
Video has gone viral showing dozens of bulldozers on a freight train enroute to northern part of Bengal. According to reports, the bulldozers have been deployed for an extensive crackdown on unauthorized constructions, illegal land occupation and encroachments allegedly linked to criminal and land mafia networks operating in parts of North Bengal. Officials involved in the exercise said the administration intends to “restore public land” and remove structures deemed illegal under municipal and land regulations.
The move comes shortly after the formation of the new BJP government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, whose administration has repeatedly indicated that law-and-order enforcement and anti-encroachment drives would be among its top priorities. Political observers have drawn parallels with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, whose government popularised the use of bulldozer-led demolition campaigns against alleged criminal networks and illegal constructions.
The freight train carrying bulldozers was seen on Friday morning following Darjeeling MP Raju Bista’s indication that such heavy vehicles were sourced form Uttar Pradesh to ensure fast-tracking of demolition of illegal constructions. "Two dozen bulldozers are being brought from Uttar Pradesh to remove these illegal constructions so that the operation can be carried out swiftly," Bista said to the press. He suggested that the demolition campaign will initially focus on Siliguri and nearby urban pockets where authorities claim illegal occupation of government land and unauthorized commercial structures have expanded over the years.
The Darjeeling MP also criticised the functioning of Siliguri Municipal Corporation. He alleged that the administrative body has failed to check on the increasing issue of illegal construction across the city.
‘Yogi Model-Bulldozer Justice’
The phrase “Yogi Model” has increasingly become associated with aggressive anti-encroachment and anti-mafia actions using heavy demolition machinery. In Uttar Pradesh, bulldozers emerged as a political symbol during successive crackdowns on alleged criminals, gangsters and illegal constructions.
However, the model has also remained controversial. Legal experts and civil rights groups have previously raised concerns over so-called “bulldozer justice”, arguing that demolitions must strictly adhere to due legal process. In November 2024, the Supreme Court laid down nationwide guidelines on demolition actions, making it clear that authorities cannot raze structures without due notice and legal procedure. The court observed that demolitions cannot become a punitive tool against accused individuals without following statutory safeguards.
