Election Commission denies permission for 'Poila Baisakh' procession in Kolkata, Bengali organisation alleges

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A woman carrying miniature idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Saraswati in a basket as she waits in a queue to offer prayer at Dakshineswar Kali Temple on the occasion of ‘Poila Boishakh’ (Bengali New Year), West Bengal, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

A Bengali nationalist organisation on Wednesday (April 15, 2026) alleged that the Election Commission (EC) has not permitted it to take out a procession on the occasion of Bengali New Year, describing it as a "grave assault" on the pride and culture of the community.

‘Bangla Pokkho’, however, announced that a rally would be taken out in the evening of April 15 to celebrate 'Nabobarsho' (New Year) in the southern parts of the city, defying the EC's denial.

The permission was not given in consultation with the Kolkata Police, an EC official said, adding that with the model code of conduct being in place, any unauthorised gathering is deemed "illegal".

Published - April 15, 2026 04:19 pm IST

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