Kolkata Police have granted permission to the rebel faction of Trinamool Congress, led by Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Ritabrata Banerjee, to observe Martyrs’ Day on July 21. Banerjee announced the party’s first political objective is to mark the day with a program at the foot of the Gandhi statue on Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Esplanade.
Martyrs’ Day on July 21 has been a significant event for the original Trinamool Congress faction, led by Mamata Banerjee, for over three decades. However, this year, due to the change in administration following the BJP government’s rise to power, the police did not grant permission to Mamata Banerjee’s faction to hold the event at the usual venue in Esplanade. An FIR has been lodged against some party leaders for blocking roads.
In contrast, the rebel camp, under Ritabrata Banerjee’s leadership, has received approval from Kolkata Police to proceed with their Martyrs’ Day preparations. The rebel leaders view this year’s event not only as a tribute to martyrs but also as a test of the organization’s strength and public backing. Speculation and interest are growing in the state’s political circles regarding the activities of both Trinamool factions on the same day.
Ritabrata Banerjee mentioned that detailed plans for the event, including the list of participating leaders and organizational arrangements, will be disclosed shortly. The rebel camp emerged after a section of Trinamool MLAs rebelled following the party’s defeat in the Assembly elections, electing Ritabrata as the Leader of the Opposition. The rebel faction has since established a new working committee, excluding Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee.
