The Kolkata Police has denied permission to hold the traditional July 21 ‘Martyrs’ Day’ rally at Dharmatala this year, informing both factions of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) that no political gathering blocking traffic will be allowed in the busy central Kolkata stretch.

The decision affects both the ‘Kalighat Trinamool’ faction led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the group led by Ritabrata Banerjee, who had separately sought permission to organise the annual event in front of Victoria House.

According to sources in Lalbazar, the police headquarters, the request was turned down due to concerns over traffic disruption and inconvenience to the public in one of the city’s busiest areas.

The development comes against the backdrop of an ongoing internal rift within the TMC. The two factions had been engaged in a tussle over control of the iconic July 21 rally, with both sides staking claim to the Dharmatala venue.
This internal divide had already heightened political tension, turning the annual event into a focal point of rivalry within the party.

Stage preparations trigger controversy

The situation escalated last Sunday when leaders and workers from the Kalighat faction visited the site and began taking measurements for stage construction. The activity, carried out on a busy road, allegedly disrupted traffic and drew complaints from the public.

The incident added to administrative concerns over maintaining order if large gatherings were permitted at the location.

Observers believe the police move has temporarily eased tensions between the rival factions. Authorities were reportedly apprehensive about potential law-and-order issues if separate rallies were held at the same venue on the same day.

Legal shadow over event

The issue is further complicated by ongoing legal scrutiny. A petition related to a 2018 rally at Dharmatala—allegedly held in violation of a Calcutta High Court directive—has resurfaced.

The court has issued notices to Mamata Banerjee and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, adding another layer of complexity to this year’s event.

With the traditional venue now ruled out, uncertainty looms over this year’s July 21 programme, a politically significant event in West Bengal.

All eyes are now on the TMC leadership as they decide their next course of action amid political tensions, administrative restrictions, and legal challenges.

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