With the Trinamool Congress (TMC) facing internal divisions and uncertainty surrounding its traditional July 21 rally, the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee has announced its own programme at Shahid Minar, seeking to reclaim the political significance of the day.

State Congress President Shubhankar Sarkar declared that the party will organise a “Shahid Minar Chalo” (March to Shahid Minar) rally on July 21, 2026, to commemorate the martyrs of the July 21, 1993 movement.

Sarkar stated that the programme is aimed not only at paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the struggle to protect democracy and constitutional rights, but also at reaffirming the Congress party’s commitment to safeguarding the Constitution, addressing youth concerns, supporting the working class, and protesting against rising prices and unemployment.

Demand for ‘Manish Gupta File’ intensifies

Referring to the police firing on a Youth Congress rally on July 21, 1993—led by then Youth Congress leader Mamata Banerjee—Sarkar demanded the immediate release of the “Manish Gupta file.”

He noted that Manish Gupta, who was the Home Secretary of West Bengal at the time, played a crucial administrative role during the incident.

“The people of West Bengal have the right to know the truth behind the events, the administrative decisions taken, and the circumstances that led to the police firing. In the interest of transparency and accountability, the Manish Gupta file must be made public without delay,” Sarkar asserted.

Organisational preparations underway

To ensure the smooth execution of the programme, veteran Congress leader and former West Bengal Youth Congress President Amitabha Chakraborty has been appointed as the chief convener. A full-fledged organising committee is expected to be formed under his leadership in the coming days.

Meanwhile, All India Congress Committee General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal is scheduled to visit Kolkata on June 29 and 30. During his visit, he will hold a series of organisational review meetings with state leadership aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and strategy in West Bengal.

TMC to hold parallel rally

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also announced that the TMC will organise its rally on the same day, setting the stage for parallel political mobilisation on July 21.

The Congress move comes at a time when the state’s political landscape appears to be shifting. July 21, long associated with the TMC, is now witnessing renewed contestation, potentially turning the day into a significant political battleground in West Bengal.

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