Congress Launches Broadside Against Bengal Government Over Rally Permission Denial
The Congress party on Wednesday unleashed a fierce attack against the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led West Bengal government after administrative permission for Rahul Gandhi's scheduled rally in Kolkata was denied. This development comes just ahead of the first phase of the crucial state assembly elections, intensifying the already heated political atmosphere.
Allegations of Political Interference and Insecurity
Party sources speaking to news agency ANI alleged that the local administration, particularly the police department, is acting under direct instructions from the Mamata Banerjee government. The Congress stated it had waited until 6:00 PM for approval, but with no permission granted, logistical preparations for the event became impossible.
"A fresh request for administrative permission will be submitted for a revised schedule, likely for either April 25 or 26," party sources confirmed, indicating the party's determination to hold the rally despite the initial setback.
West Bengal Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar launched a scathing critique, claiming both the Trinamool and the BJP have been "rattled" by the massive crowds at Rahul Gandhi's previous rallies in Malda and Murshidabad districts.
"Seeing the massive crowds thronging the public meetings of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has left the Mamata Banerjee government and the BJP so rattled that now even permission for venues for their rallies is being denied," Sarkar asserted.
Social Media Outcry and Counter-Arguments
In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, the Congress party framed the permission denial as "pure insecurity masked as administration." The party declared: "Bengal is not Mamata Banerjee's or TMC's private estate! Denying Rahul Gandhi's campaign visit is pure political insecurity masked as administration."
The post further challenged: "If your mandate is so strong, why fear a public meeting? Bengal deserves real democracy, not police-controlled politics."
However, West Bengal minister Shashi Panja offered a contrasting perspective, emphasizing that the model code of conduct is currently active in the state. She clarified that a caretaker government cannot be held responsible for the cancellation of Rahul Gandhi's visit.
"Application for public meetings needs to be sent through the Suvidha Portal. Permission is granted through there. It needs to be done 2–7 days before the public meeting. This rule applies to all public meetings," Panja explained.
She added: "All political parties need to take permission like this. The caretaker government in the state cannot answer for the cancellation of his visit; the Election Commission can answer that."
Electoral Context and Political Stakes
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of an intense electoral battle in West Bengal. The Congress is contesting the polls while maintaining significant differences with the ruling TMC. The state is headed for a high-stakes contest where:
- The Trinamool Congress aims for a fourth consecutive term in power
- The BJP seeks to build upon its previous electoral gains to capture the state government
- The Congress attempts to convert what has been largely a bipolar TMC vs BJP contest into a triangular fight
In the 2021 assembly elections, the Congress failed to win any seats. This time, the party hopes to make significant inroads and reshape the political landscape. Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Legislative Assembly will be conducted in two phases, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.
The permission denial incident has added another layer of complexity to an already volatile election season, with accusations of administrative overreach, political insecurity, and procedural violations flying between major political players.
