Rahul Gandhi's April 23 Kolkata visit cancelled (Img: Internet)
Kolkata: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to Kolkata on April 23 has been cancelled, with the party claiming that local authorities did not grant the required permissions for the event.
The visit was planned as part of the party’s campaign for the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections. Party sources said the lack of approval made it difficult to finalise arrangements for the programme.
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The Congress has alleged that the local administration and police acted under the influence of the state government led by Mamata Banerjee. According to party representatives, they waited until the evening for clearance but did not receive the necessary approval.
The party indicated that it would submit a fresh request for permission and is considering rescheduling the visit for later dates, possibly April 25 or 26.
Responding to the allegations, leaders from the Trinamool Congress said that all political parties must follow established procedures for organising public meetings.
State minister Shashi Panja stated that applications must be submitted through the designated Suvidha portal within a specified timeframe before the event. She added that these rules apply uniformly and are monitored by the Election Commission.
The cancellation comes at a crucial stage of the West Bengal Assembly elections, where the Congress is contesting in alliance with Left parties. The political environment remains highly competitive, with multiple parties intensifying their campaigns.
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The Bharatiya Janata Party is aiming to expand its presence, while the Trinamool Congress seeks to retain power for another term.
Polling in West Bengal will take place in two phases, covering all 294 Assembly constituencies, with results scheduled to be announced on May 4.
In the previous election, the Congress failed to secure any seats, and the party is now attempting to re-establish its presence in the state. The evolving contest is expected to shape a multi-cornered electoral battle in the coming days.
