Club As Agents of Power: Interrogating the Transforming Politics in Bijoygarh

In the refugee colony of Bijoygarh, in Kolkata, local clubs and the patronage of political leaders have played a transformative role in shaping the experiences of loss and resettlement following Partition. These institutions helped forge new social, political, and cultural identities for the displaced, and their influence has evolved into the modern era. As socio-cultural organizations, clubs have not only provided a sense of community but also exerted control over the space, functioning as intermediaries between the State, political parties, and local residents. This paper, through qualitative research, examines how these clubs have historically shaped governance in the colony, highlighting their role in molding residents into 'political subjects.'

Simultaneously, the research explores how the sense of 'community,' urban politics, and refugee identity have shifted over time in the context of Kolkata's urban landscape. By documenting these everyday practices, the study contributes to a nuanced understanding of how governance, both formal and informal, operates in refugee colonies. This paper aims to enrich historical and modern narratives by situating local clubs as key actors in the discursive construction of political and social life in Bijoygarh.