A proposed Trinamool Congress-backed procession in Kolkata has come under a reported police warning ahead of Durga Puja, with Suvendu Adhikari saying that legal action would follow if any political programme disrupted public order during the festival.
According to The Statesman, the march is scheduled to move on Tuesday from Rajabazar to Park Circus. It has reportedly been called by the Mamata Banerjee camp of the Trinamool Congress, with a publicity leaflet stating that former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to participate.
Speaking during a visit to Durga Puja celebrations at Allen Park late on Monday night, Adhikari said he had instructed the Kolkata Police Commissioner to take appropriate legal action against any attempt to create unrest. “During Durga Puja, no one will be allowed to create disorder. I have instructed the Police Commissioner to take appropriate legal action. They will not be allowed to proceed even a step beyond Rajabazar,” he was quoted as saying.
The report also said Adhikari indicated that central forces could be deployed if necessary to maintain peace during the festivities. The proposed march comes as opposition parties campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations linked to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The allegations have been rejected as part of a wider political confrontation, according to the report, while opposition leaders have demanded the Election Commissioner’s resignation.
The publicity material circulated by the organisers reportedly accuses the Centre of suppressing democratic voices. It also refers to the detention of Banerjee in Delhi and alleged mistreatment of young protesters, and calls on people to unite against those actions. Similar programmes are reportedly being planned for supporters in other districts.
The Kolkata procession is therefore expected to place additional operational pressure on the police during a period when large crowds will be visiting puja pandals across the city. The administration will have to manage movement, crowd concentration and access around the proposed route while determining how to respond to a political gathering during the festive period.
The supplied report contains conflicting descriptions of Adhikari’s official position and the state’s political context. Those details require confirmation from an official government, police or party source. The immediate reported next step is the proposed Tuesday procession from Rajabazar to Park Circus and the Kolkata Police response to it.
