Durgapur, June 29: Chaos and jostling marked the swearing-in of the mayor, chairperson and councillors of the Durgapur Municipal Corporation (DMC) today with police having a hard time managing the crowd of Trinamul supporters today.

Nearly 10,000 Trinamul workers and supporters had gathered at the Sidhu Kanhu Indoor Stadium at City Centre for the programme that was supposed to start at 10am but got delayed as mayoral candidate Apurba Mukherjee and the councillors arrived at least an hour late. People arrived in processions from all corners of the town and also from Panagarh. Many of them tried to climb on the stage.

The chaos peaked after Mukherjee was sworn in. Many people climbed onto the stage to greet him. A jostle ensued as many of the workers fell down while climbing the stairs.

Around 1.30pm, the mayor led a procession of Trinamul supporters to the DMC office, about 500 meters from the stadium. SDO Ayesha Rani A. fell down as Trinamul supporters rushed out of the stadium to join the rally.

“My first job is to plant at least 1 lakh tree saplings immediately to create a green and pollution-free environment. Next, I will improve the drinking water and sewerage facilities in the town. We will take advise from senior citizens on developing and beautifying Durgapur,” Mukherjee said.