FIR Against Mamata Banerjee Over TMCP Rally
Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee faces fresh legal trouble after an FIR was ordered over an alleged violation of Calcutta High Court conditions during the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) foundation day rally in Kolkata.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on August 29 that he had directed the police to register an FIR against Banerjee in connection with Friday's TMCP event. The allegations centre on claims that conditions imposed by the High Court regarding traffic movement and the use of the road were not followed.
What Did the Calcutta High Court Order Say?
The Calcutta High Court had earlier refused to allow the two rival TMCP factions to hold their programmes at Mayo Road. Instead, the court allotted separate venues and imposed restrictions on the events.
The Mamata Banerjee-led faction was permitted to hold its programme on a flank of Cathedral Road, while the rival Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction was allotted a stretch of Rani Rashmoni Road. Both programmes were restricted to the 12 pm to 3 pm period, with attendance capped at 1,500 people for each faction.
Alleged Violation During Rally
According to Adhikari, the court had specifically directed that one lane should remain free for traffic movement. He alleged that both lanes were eventually occupied during the rally, resulting in disruption to traffic.
IANS reported that Adhikari said he had directed the police to register an FIR and approach the Calcutta High Court regarding the alleged violations.
The allegations also include claims that some supporters broke through barricades separating the two lanes. Ritabrata Banerjee supported the allegations, claiming that the court had also imposed restrictions on the number of participants.
Political Tensions Escalate
The incident adds another layer to the growing political confrontation in West Bengal. The TMCP foundation day event itself had become a legal issue because rival factions were seeking permission to hold programmes at the same traditional venue.
The High Court ultimately allocated separate locations and imposed restrictions to prevent clashes and manage traffic and public movement.
As of the latest reports, the allegations against Mamata Banerjee remain allegations arising from the reported events, and the legal process will determine whether any offence was committed. The development is expected to intensify the political battle between the ruling BJP government and the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal
