Siliguri, 21 July (H.S.) -

As the Trinamool Congress observed its annual Martyrs’ Day rally in Kolkata’s Dharmatala on Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched its counter-political movement, the ‘Uttarkanya Abhiyan’, in North Bengal under the leadership of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. The rally, spearheaded by the BJP’s youth wing, saw heavy deployment of security forces and participation from party MPs, MLAs, and a large number of enthusiastic workers.

Prior to the rally, Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the West Bengal Police had initially denied them permission to hold the event. However, the Calcutta High Court intervened and allowed the march under specific conditions. “The Bengal police no longer serve the people; they have become puppets of the Trinamool Congress,” Adhikari claimed.

Following the court’s directive, the BJP began its march from Tinbatti More in Siliguri, covering a distance of approximately 2.5 kilometers to Chunabhati More. The event culminated in a public meeting held at a nearby football ground. The court had capped the rally’s participation at 10,000 individuals, and the BJP appeared to have mobilized a significant turnout within that limit, particularly from its youth wing and affiliated organizations.

To galvanize support for the campaign, the party released a special theme song, which was launched on Saturday by West Bengal BJP President Shamik Bhattacharya. The event also witnessed strong youth participation, reinforcing the BJP’s strategy of projecting a dynamic and energetic opposition force in the region.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee indirectly criticized the BJP's move, stating on Sunday, “Whenever we organize a programme, they try to hold a parallel event. But we don’t do the same when they hold something independently.”

Suvendu Adhikari had earlier declared that while the Trinamool would be “feasting on rice and eggs” on July 21, the BJP would be marching towards Uttarkanya, the administrative hub of North Bengal. He had urged supporters to attend at their own expense and stand strong against the ruling party.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh