The BJP has managed a convincing mandate to govern, reform West Bengal state and reshape the city of Kolkata.
It has the appetite to do it.
There are issues and challenges. By nature Bengalis and the city of Kolkata as a metropolis are used to talking more about AFFORDABILITY.
Of course, there are serious matters. Navi Mumbai in the west and Noida in the north are no longer 'affordable' hubs. The cost of living is going up in places like Pune and Chennai too. So, firstly, the challenge will be to 'improve the affordability' graph by creating good and stable jobs and also have the same in 'increased numbers'.
Kolkata’s real estate market is currently experiencing a stabilized growth and supply phase, following a major boom in luxury and mid-segment housing.
While overall housing sales hover at roughly 16,000–17,000 units annually, demand remains driven by improved metro connectivity and new infrastructure development across peripheral areas.
New Town (Rajarhat-New Town) is a planned Satellite city of Kolkata.
It is administered by NKDA (New Town Kolkata Development Authority).
New Town was sometime back declared as a "Solar City" and "Smart Green City" by Government of India.
Why and how affordability has to go up ? Take this example; I know of youths drawing salary of around Rs 40,000 in Kolkata in IT sector and the same guy gets a huge leap to around Rs 75,000 when he gets a job or even normal transfer to Bengaluru. The cycle of economy will have to be understood.
But just because the chief minister or a ruling party has changed; the IT guys will not start getting higher salaries. For this to happen to start with, more IT companies such as the TCS or other big players will have to come.
Now some basics:
Kolkata is the fourth largest 'city economy' with a GDP of 220 billion dollars.
It has a population of one and a half crore. But the city 'sells' FEWER homes than every other major state capitals (especially top cities).
'Office demand' is much less. Perhaps; more than the Left or discredited Mamata regime; even people's day-today habits and conduct count. In other words; no investor will ask for 'readymade pangas' in their offices and their office working atmosphere.
"kanoon baaji" is city's age old characteristic; and it is mainly misguided and encourages work culture. The menace has spread from West Bengal to other states in the north east - Tripura
(good job is linked to homesickness. I am perfect and my child is perfect is a norm).
Take Nagaland -- an working atmosphere is first judged by 'home posting'. Secondly; how many outsiders (plain manu) have the jobs etc etc.
Of course, things have improved a lot in Assam and in Mizoram - locals do not mind working hard. Pragmatic Mizos - as they are well known.
Here is another data and it reveals a lot. In 2025; there was overall increase in demand for 'office leasing' in major Indian cities. Kolkata was among the place which witnessed 'decline'. In 2005, Kolkata sold only 16,000 homes.
Kolkata's share of total office leasing in 2025 stood at an alarmingly low 2 per cent.
It leased just 1.15 million square feet.
Bengaluru had 14 million square feet of total 55 million square feet demand across India.
Hyderabad and Pune recorded 8 million sq feet.
Kolkata and those interested in the city must have to appreciate - no office leasing means NO JOB. And this also means no Housing demands.
Now, the moves of Suvendu Govt. The Urban Land Ceiling Act must go.
The Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976 remains in effect in West Bengal. While most Indian states have repealed it, West Bengal strictly enforces the law in urban agglomerations like Kolkata, Asansol, and Durgapur.
It caps vacant urban land holdings at roughly 500 square meters (7.5 Kathas) per person or entity.
However, Land primarily used for agricultural purposes is excluded. Exemptions can also be granted by the state for public interests or industrial development.
Excess Land: Any vacant land exceeding the 500 sq. meter ceiling must be declared and can be acquired and vested by the State Government.
The Act has been widely criticized by real estate developers, industry bodies (like CREDAI), and policymakers for hindering real estate aggregation, causing project delays, and limiting investment.
Whether Suvendu can now ensure ---- privatisation of Kolkata airport ? The city and the state will be also looking for - IT corridors, integrated townships etc.
The BJP has promised a 10-year master plan.
No less than, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced this 10-year action plan as part of a comprehensive Greater Kolkata vision ahead of elections.
The blueprint targets key urban bottlenecks, including:
Decongestion and improved sewage management
Combating land encroachment and illegal construction
Tourism promotion to elevate the city's global profile
The BJP Sankalp Patra is expected to act as a roadmap for development and empowerment, adding that it reflects the party's vision for a “Sonar Bangla”.
ends
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