But the opposition parties are not amused.
Taking a dig at Banerjee, Leader of Opposition Surjya Kanta Mishra said he will not be surprised if the chief minister calls an all-party meeting to change Kolkata's name to "blue and white city".
He wondered whether the citizens did not even have the right to choose the colours of their homes. "It is difficult to understand what is going on in this state. She may be thinking about 'Pink City' Jaipur, but then that city has its historical reasons".
State BJP president Rahul Sinha dubbed the decision by the Trinamool Congress-led KMC board as "Tughlaq-like".
"It is like Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq. The decision has been taken to please one person -- Mamata Banerjee. We strongly oppose this. Property tax is the main source of revenue from the KMC. The decision will hit it hard," said Sinha.
Former city mayor Bikash Bhattacharya claimed the decision was "illegal" and "ill-motivated".
"Those who respond positively, will be regarded as Trinamool supporters, and those who don't will be identified as supporters of other parties. This is dangerous for democracy."
The state Congress termed it as a "sop" to the citizens before next year's civic polls. "It will also ensure that those associated with Trinamool make money by painting the city blue and white," said state Congress leader Manas Bhunia.
