West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, a key ally in the INDIA bloc, is expected to attend the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Martyrs' Day rally on Sunday, weather permitting. Banerjee, while overseeing the preparations for the event at Esplanade, emphasised the rally's importance as a tribute to the 'Maa-Mati-Manush' (motherland, soil, and people) of Bengal.
“This rally is not merely a political gathering but a homage to Bengal, safeguarding its dignity and protecting the country,” Banerjee stated, as quoted by news agency PTI. “I have invited Akhilesh Yadav as we invite friends to this rally every year.”
Highlighting the inclusivity of the event, Banerjee mentioned that several intellectuals from various fields had also been invited. Expressing hope for smooth train operations, she said, “We requested the railways 15 days ago to ensure trains are not cancelled or delayed. It is their duty to manage the rush and run the trains efficiently.”
The Chief Minister also reminded supporters to avoid leaning out of train compartment doors, recalling past incidents where party workers lost their lives in train accidents en route to the rally. “We hold this rally every year, even in election years, to thank Maa-Mati-Manush. Besides building the stage, everything is done by the public,” she added, as per PTI.
Enhanced Security Measures for Kolkata Metro
To manage the expected crowd at the rally, additional security personnel will be deployed at four stations on the Dakshineswar-New Garia corridor of Kolkata Metro. A statement from Kolkata Metro on Saturday detailed that 54 RPF officers and personnel will be stationed at Chandni Chowk, Esplanade, Park Street, and Maidan stations on the Blue Line, PTI reported. Continuous monitoring through live CCTV feed will be conducted from the security control room.
To handle increased passenger flow, several additional ticket counters will be set up across key stations. The Blue Line will operate its usual 130 services on Sunday, while services on other corridors will remain suspended.
TMC's Show Of Strength In Martyrs' Day Rally
Following its recent victory in the Lok Sabha polls, the TMC is gearing up for the Martyrs' Day rally, intending to underscore its role in national opposition unity and its efforts to counter the BJP in West Bengal. According to PTI, TMC sources indicated that the party leadership, part of the INDIA bloc, would outline its national strategy during the rally.
Abhishek Banerjee, TMC's national general secretary, is expected to join after a brief medical hiatus.
Chief Minister Banerjee reflected on the significance of the day, commemorating the 13 lives lost during a Youth Congress rally against the Left Front government in 1993. “Tomorrow marks another 21st July! This day holds deep significance in Bengal's history. We honour these martyrs with love and respect,” she posted on social media. She also invited all Bengalis to join the rally, describing it as 'Ma-Mati-Manush Divas.'
The rally may see the rejoining of former BJP leader Sovan Chatterjee and his associate Baisakhi Bandopadhyay, who left the BJP in 2021. Additionally, the TMC is expected to welcome new members, potentially from the BJP, as the leadership articulates its policies and future direction, PTI reported.
Despite losing its national party status, the TMC remains a dominant force in Bengal, bolstered by its performance in the 2023 rural polls and the Lok Sabha elections. The party's recent victories in assembly bypolls have further strengthened its position.
As part of the celebrations, TMC is likely to launch a new song, 'Trinamoolkei Chai,' marking the occasion.
The Martyrs' Day rally is observed annually on July 21 in memory of the 13 people killed in police firing during a Youth Congress rally against the Left Front government in 1993, when Mamata Banerjee was the state's Youth Congress president. She has maintained the tradition since forming her own party in 1998.