Army Takes Down TMC Protest Stage at Kolkata Maidan; Mamata Banerjee Cries Foul Urges Force to not ‘Play into BJP’s Hands’
Kolkata:The Indian Army on Monday removed a Trinamool Congress platform positioned near the Gandhi statue at Kolkata’s Maidan, where the party had been demonstrating against purported attacks on Bengali-speaking migrant workers.
A defence official informed PTI that the Army’s Local Military Authority in Kolkata typically grants permission for Maidan events spanning two days, following Supreme Court guidelines, while activities extending to three days require clearance from the ministry of defence.
“Permission for conduct of events was provided for two days. However, the stage has been put up for almost a month. Several reminders have been sent to the organisers for removal of the temporary structure. However, it was not removed,” the defence official stated.
The official noted that city police personnel were stationed at the location to maintain law and order during the operation.
West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Mamata Banerjee charged the BJP with treating the Army like “their toy” and called on the force to avoid being manipulated by the ruling party.
“I do not blame the Army, but the BJP’s vendetta politics is behind it. The double-engine government of the BJP is to be blamed. They are misusing the Army. This is unethical, undemocratic,” Banerjee, who hurried to the scene, informed media personnel.
“They want to use the Army for their own purpose. This is the message of the day. They don’t care about internal security and border security. They should not do this…We had permission for the event, we had also paid the fee…” she continued.
The Bengal Chief Minister argued that the Army ought to have coordinated with Kolkata Police before taking down the structure and mentioned that had they contacted her, she would have dismantled the stage “within minutes.”
“I don’t blame the Army, just appeal to them to remain neutral and not play in the hands of the BJP,” the state leader emphasized.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh claimed political persecution, charging the Centre with “bringing in the Army after the ED and CBI,” while announcing that the demonstration would relocate to Rani Rashmoni Road.
The Maidan territory falls under Indian Army jurisdiction, with the Eastern Command headquarters located at nearby Fort William.