Election – Kolkata Police Refuse Permission for July 21 Martyrs’ Day Rally at Esplanade
Election – The Kolkata Police have declined permission to both factions of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to organise the annual Martyrs’ Day rally at Esplanade on July 21, citing concerns over severe traffic congestion and inconvenience to the public. The decision marks a significant change for an event that has traditionally drawn large crowds to one of Kolkata’s busiest commercial districts.
Police Cite Public Convenience as Primary Reason
According to officials at Lalbazar, the headquarters of Kolkata Police, authorities have informed both the faction led by Mamata Banerjee and the rival group headed by Ritabrata Banerjee that political gatherings causing road blockades at the Victoria House area of Esplanade will no longer receive approval. The police said the move was taken to minimise disruption to daily commuters and ensure smoother traffic management in the city.
Both groups had independently submitted applications seeking permission to organise the annual event at the same location. However, police decided against allowing either rally after reviewing the likely impact on transportation and public movement.
Rally Holds Historical Significance
The Martyrs’ Day rally has remained one of the most prominent political events associated with Mamata Banerjee for more than three decades. The annual gathering commemorates the deaths of 13 Youth Congress workers who lost their lives during police firing in 1993, when the Left Front government was in power in West Bengal.
At that time, Mamata Banerjee was a Congress leader. She later established the Trinamool Congress in 1998 after parting ways with the Congress and continued organising the July 21 programme as one of the party’s key political events.
Case Registered Against Senior TMC Leaders
The latest decision comes shortly after Kolkata Police registered a case involving TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh and Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen. Police alleged that the two leaders had visited the proposed rally venue to inspect and measure the site, resulting in obstruction of vehicle movement in the busy Esplanade area.
Both Ghosh and Sen are considered close associates of Mamata Banerjee. The police action followed reports that traffic was affected during their visit to the location.
Assembly Discussion Adds Political Dimension
The issue also surfaced during proceedings in the West Bengal Assembly. While addressing the House on Monday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari criticised the visit by Kunal Ghosh and Dola Sen, stating that they had inspected the venue without obtaining prior permission from the police authorities.
He also suggested that if the organisers expected a large turnout, they should consider shifting the programme to the Brigade Parade Grounds, a venue that has historically hosted several large-scale political rallies in Kolkata.
Internal Challenges Continue for Trinamool Congress
The decision on the rally comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress is facing one of its most challenging internal phases following its defeat in the recent Assembly elections. Political differences within the party have intensified with the emergence of a rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee.
The rebel group, reportedly supported by more than 65 legislators, has claimed to represent the “real Trinamool” and has sought recognition through separate political activities, including plans to organise the annual Martyrs’ Day event. The latest police order affects both camps equally and leaves uncertainty over the future venue and format of the July 21 programme.