TMC seeks police nod for July 21 rally, Ritabrata camp says ‘we’ll pay true respect’

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress on Saturday wrote to Kolkata Police seeking permission for its July 21 Martyrs’ Day programme at Esplanade, prompting the Ritabrata Banerjee camp to also claim that they too intend to hold their July 21 rally at the same venue.Speaking to reporters after a party meeting at Kalighat, TMC MP Mahua Moitra said: “The party will observe July 21 regardless of administrative restrictions and will hold its programme even if permission for a conventional stage is denied. If necessary, the programme will be conducted from a Gypsy using a microphone but the event will not be cancelled.”The July 21 event will definitely take place under any circumstances, Moitra said, adding that the “administration could attempt to restrict transportation, including trains, buses and other routes, to prevent party supporters from attending the programme”.“Police have previously blocked access to Trinamool meetings while allowing programmes organised by other political parties to proceed. Attempts are being made to push TMC workers towards other opposition parties, but these efforts will not succeed,” she said.On Friday, while addressing party workers in north Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee had said, “I hope to get permission for July 21. We hold a meeting only for one day. I will speak in detail on that day.

Even if there are five workers, I will be present at that meeting. You all assemble on that day.”Raghunathganj MLA Akhruzzaman, the most vocal neta in the Ritabrata camp, later told reporters: “For long, the families of the July 21 martyrs did not receive dignity amidst the galaxy of actors and actresses. July 21 is a matter of emotion for Trinamool Congress. This time, we will pay true respect to the families of the martyrs.

Those who want to be with us can stay. We will hold our traditional July 21 event right in front of Victoria House (in Esplanade).

If the administration does not grant permission, then we will think of some other place.”Beleghata MLA and TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh responded, “On July 21, 1993, Mamata Banerjee led a movement demanding photo identity cards for voters. The photo identity cards we possess today are the result of the sacrifice of those 14 martyrs and of Mamata Banerjee’s struggle.

Since Mamata’s fellow protesters were killed that day, she has observed July 21 every year as Martyrs’ Day. The incident took place at Dharmatala, which is why the annual programme is held there.

Let us also see what they do. But one thing is certain — our July 21 rally will definitely take place.”Bengal municipal affairs and urban development minister Agnimitra Paul said: “They can certainly observe July 21. But by following govt rules.

Not by blocking roads, playing loudspeakers and causing inconvenience to others.” CM Suvendu Adhikari had given Mamata permission to protest at Y-Channel, she pointed out.Dola lodges police complaint over TMC symbol forgery, impersonation of nameTMC MP Dola Sen on Saturday lodged a complaint with New Town police alleging forgery of the Trinamool Congress symbol and impersonation of the name All India Trinamool Congress against the Ritabrata Banerjee camp. The FIR is against the Ritabrata camp’s June 22 meeting at a New Town hotel from where they announced their own national working committee. The meeting was held under the name of All India Trinamool Congress along with the party symbol.