kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The disastrous results in the Assembly elections, Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee’s first political program on Tuesday afternoon was marred by allegations of disorder. Due to rising tension at Dharmatala, the former Chief Minister was forced to halt her speech.

The afternoon, Mamata left her residence in Kalighat and reached Red Road, where she first paid tribute to B.R. Ambedkar’s statue with a garland. She was accompanied by Madan Mitra, Kunal Ghosh, Kalyan Bandyopadhyay, Dola Sen, Asima Patra, and others. From there, Mamata proceeded to the party’s protest stage at Y Channel, where permission had been granted for a dharna from 2 PM to 5 PM. Senior Trinamool leaders, including Shovon Dev Chattopadhyay, Chandrima Bhattacharya, and Ashok Dev, were present alongside her.

Police had also deployed tight security arrangements in view of Mamata’s program. However, just a short while after the program began, disorder erupted. Reports suggest that the excitement and agitation among the Trinamool workers present at the program contributed to the tension. The police tried to control the situation, but Trinamool leaders and workers also raised slogans against the police, alleging that they were obstructing the program. The ensuing chaos, shouting, and commotion made it impossible to hear Mamata’s speech, forcing her to stop. Later, she addressed the party workers, urging them to remain restrained.

The Dharmatala program, Mamata spoke out against the BJP, alleging that they had conspired to split the Trinamool. She warned that their attempts would fail, saying, “Our MLAs, councilors, and party candidates are being intimidated illegally.” She added, “We will uphold every word of the Constitution and continue the fight against the BJP.” Issuing a stern warning, she said, “Wherever I go, I will sit there this time.”

It is noteworthy that Mamata had called for a dharna at Rani Rasmani Avenue following post-poll violence allegations. However, the police did not grant permission for the pre-planned Trinamool program at that location. On Monday, the police informed that permission could only be granted at Y Channel for the dharna. Regarding this complication, Trinamool MP Kalyan said, “The police sent an email at 12:30 AM saying that permission must be obtained for something at Y Channel. Is this even possible? Why was this not told earlier? This is clearly an attempt to suppress the opposition voice.”