Police halt Mamata Banerjee-led rally in Kolkata over permit denial

A rally organised by supporters of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was halted in Kolkata on Tuesday after police cited absence of formal sanction to proceed with the procession. The All India Trinamool Congress had planned the march to protest against the Chief Election Commissioner and the state's chief secretary. Police personnel intercepted the protesters before they could advance further, enforcing compliance with permission protocols governing public assemblies in the city.

State administration had issued directives to the police department ensuring that the proposed march would not be permitted to proceed, according to sources. The order reflected heightened sensitivity within the government apparatus regarding public demonstrations in the state capital. Police officials stated that organisers had failed to secure the requisite authorisation from authorities before mobilising supporters for the street action.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions within West Bengal's political landscape, with the ruling party frequently organising demonstrations against various state and central institutions. The Trinamool Congress has been vocal in its criticism of the election commission's functioning, particularly regarding the conduct of recent electoral exercises in the state. Tuesday's stalled rally marks another instance of administrative action curtailing planned public mobilisation by the ruling dispensation's supporters.