The West Bengal Congress, led by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has encountered obstacles in obtaining permission for public meetings during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in the state. The party’s claims have triggered a sharp response from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), with allegations of echoing BJP’s rhetoric.
Yatra Hurdles: West Bengal Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury expressed concerns over facing difficulties in securing permission for specific public meetings during the ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in the state. Speaking in Siliguri, he revealed that the yatra’s schedule had been submitted to the state administration well in advance. However, Chowdhury claimed that in some places, permission was denied, citing reasons like ongoing exams.
TMC’s Retort: The TMC, in response, accused Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of aligning with BJP’s rhetoric and stated that the administration’s decisions were free from political influence. TMC MP Santanu Sen pointed out that the administration might have denied permission due to ongoing board examinations in schools. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh labeled Chowdhury as an agent of the BJP, accusing him of speaking the saffron camp’s language.
Congress Perspective: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury asserted that the Rahul Gandhi-led yatra was a movement aimed at safeguarding the Constitution, emphasizing that it was unrelated to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He expressed disappointment over the denial of permission in certain areas, particularly in Siliguri, and expected better cooperation from the state government.
BJP’s Reaction: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the TMC’s denial of permission, asserting that the Congress was experiencing “authoritarianism” from its own ally. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar questioned TMC’s authority to decide who can hold rallies in West Bengal. Amit Malviya, BJP’s co-incharge for West Bengal, accused Mamata Banerjee of intentionally humiliating the Congress and suggested that the denial was aimed at securing all seats in the state.
Conclusion: The political tussle over the permission for the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra reflects the complex dynamics of West Bengal politics. While the Congress raises concerns about hurdles, the TMC and BJP engage in a war of words, adding another layer to the evolving political landscape in the state.
