Wed Sep 24 19:50:58 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Kolkata is reeling after a deluge of rain caused severe flooding, resulting in the electrocution deaths of nine people. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed the Calcutta Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) for negligence and demanded compensation for the victims’ families. She also cited the Union government’s lack of dredging at the Farakka Barrage as a contributing factor. Critics, including the opposition leader, accuse Banerjee’s government of deflecting blame for the city’s crumbling infrastructure and lack of drainage improvements despite available funding. The disaster highlights systemic issues of accountability and neglected infrastructure in Kolkata.

**News Article:**

**Kolkata Floods Claim Nine Lives, Sparks Blame Game**

**Kolkata, September 25, 2025** – Devastating floods in Kolkata, triggered by a record 252 mm of rainfall on September 23rd, have claimed the lives of nine people and ignited a fierce blame game between the state government and private entities. Most of the victims, primarily street vendors and security guards, were electrocuted after coming into contact with exposed electrical sources in the waterlogged streets.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has squarely placed blame on the Calcutta Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC), citing negligence and demanding compensation for the families of the deceased. She also pointed fingers at the Union government for failing to dredge the Farakka Barrage, contributing to the city’s drainage issues.

“CESC is responsible for this tragedy, and they must compensate the families for their loss,” Banerjee stated. CESC has not directly responded to the Chief Minister’s allegations but issued a statement on social media stating that they are not responsible for maintaining street and traffic lights.

Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari has accused Banerjee’s government of deflecting accountability, highlighting the city’s deteriorating infrastructure, including crumbling flyovers and inadequate drainage. He further alleged a conflict of interest, pointing out that Haldia Energy, a company affiliated with the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group that owns CESC, was a major donor to the Trinamool Congress through electoral bonds.

“The CM has tried to cover up the corruption by blaming the company while taking donations from it”, stated Adhikari.

Critics point out that despite a $200 million loan from the Asian Development Bank earlier this year to improve Kolkata’s drainage system, little visible progress has been made. Experts also emphasize the long-term neglect of the city’s natural drainage systems, with illegal construction choking the existing waterways.

While the state government has announced compensation for the victims’ families, questions remain about accountability and systemic changes needed to prevent future disasters. The disaster has exposed the fragility of Kolkata’s infrastructure and fueled demands for greater accountability and investment in disaster preparedness.

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