Thaindian News

Kolkata, Aug 3 (IANS) The main opposition Trinamool Congress Tuesday rejected the “ridiculous” conditions set by the West Bengal government for giving the go-ahead for the party’s Aug 9 rally at Maoist-affected Lalgarh.
“The conditions given are ridiculous and insulting. The government should withdraw these conditions immediately,” Trinamool leader Subrata Mukherjee said.

“The chief minister and the railway minister have similar status. When chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee goes to Lalgarh, no such condition is imposed. Then why should conditional permission be given for Mamata Banerjee’s rally?” asked Mukherjee, a former city mayor.

As per the conditions, Trinamool is required to share the route of the processions leading to the venue, stick to the route, and end the meeting before evening so that the participating supporters, leaders and intellectuals can leave the area before dusk.

Also, senior Trinamool leaders should cooperate with intelligence sleuths and ensure the podium is not overcrowded. Besides, the sitting arrangement of the public or the party supporters should be made at a safe distance from the podium with the entry and exit points of the meeting place limited to a few.

“We will follow any route as per our choice. We are not concerned about police restrictions,” Mukherjee said.

To rope in intellectuals, social activists and tribals, Mamata Banerjee has announced that the meeting will be held under the banner of an apolitical platform - ‘Santrash Birodhi Mancha’ (Anti Atrocities Platform).

Social activists Swami Agnivesh and Medha Patkar are slated to address the meeting.