Kolkata Police deny Esplanade venue for both TMC factions’ July 21 Martyrs’ Day programmes

The decision comes after both the Kalighat faction led by Mamata Banerjee and the rival Ritabrata Banerjee faction sought permission to hold separate events in front of Victoria House on July 21, a date that has remained central to the party's political calendar for more than three decades.

Police cite traffic and public convenience

Officials at Kolkata Police headquarters stated that political gatherings blocking roads at Esplanade would not be permitted because of the potential impact on traffic movement and the general public.

According to police sources, the proposed rallies at Victoria House would significantly disrupt one of Kolkata's busiest transport corridors. As a result, permission was denied to both factions.

BNS Section 163 imposed

Kolkata Police has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita or BNS (formerly Section 144 of CrPC) across a large part of central Kolkata for nearly two months.

The restrictions will remain in force from July 2 to August 30, citing apprehensions of protests and possible law-and-order disturbances.

A notification signed by Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nanda was issued on Tuesday evening, stating that Section 163 of the BNS will be enforced in several parts of central Kolkata during this period.

The areas include Bowbazar, Hare Street, the Headquarters Traffic Guard area, and the stretch from KC Das crossing to Victoria House, where the TMC traditionally holds its July 21 Martyrs' Day programme.

The notification further states that any unlawful assembly, procession, demonstration or sit-in protest in these areas will invite legal action in accordance with the law.

The order has been issued by the Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar.

Earlier, the Kolkata Police Commissioner had made it clear that granting permission for a July 21 rally at Dharmatala was "out of the question."

"A general prohibitory order remains in force there. No permission is granted for any procession or public meeting. That order is already in place. Therefore, there is no question of giving permission to anyone. No meetings or rallies are allowed there," the CP said.

Decision follows case against TMC leaders

The refusal came a day after Kolkata Police registered a case against TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Dola Sen for allegedly obstructing traffic while inspecting and measuring the proposed rally venue near Victoria House.

The two leaders had reportedly visited the site on Sunday with measuring tapes before formal permission for the event had been granted.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also criticised the move while addressing the West Bengal Assembly on Monday.

Taking a swipe at the organisers, he remarked that they had started measuring the venue without obtaining official approval.

He further suggested that if organisers anticipated a massive gathering, they should consider shifting the programme to Brigade Parade Ground instead of Esplanade.

Leaders react to police decision

Former Rajya Sabha MP Subhasish Chakraborty, associated with the Kalighat faction, said the group had not yet received any official communication from the police and would refrain from commenting until it did.

Akhruzzaman, chief whip of the Ritabrata faction and MLA from Raghunathganj in Murshidabad, said the group would deliberate before deciding its next course of action.

"We will observe Martyrs' Day without causing inconvenience to the public. We will discuss the matter among ourselves before taking the final decision," he said.

Uncertainty over July 21 event

The ongoing divisions within the Trinamool Congress have already raised questions over this year's observance of the party's flagship political event.

Earlier, Mamata Banerjee had urged party workers to gather at the traditional Esplanade venue, expressing hope that permission for the annual programme would be granted.

However, with both factions now denied permission for separate events at the site, uncertainty remains over where and how the commemorative programmes will eventually be held.

July 21 Martyrs' Day

The July 21 Martyrs' Day observance has been closely linked to the Trinamool Congress since the party's formative years.

The annual event commemorates the police firing on July 21, 1993, during a Youth Congress march towards the Writers' Building in Kolkata, in which 13 people were killed.

The protest, led by Mamata Banerjee, demanded the introduction of voter identity cards and later became one of the defining moments in West Bengal's political history.

Since then, Esplanade has served as the traditional venue for the party's annual Martyrs' Day gathering.