Mamata-led AITC rally against CEC, SIR stopped in Kolkata over lack of police permission
Supporters of the Mamata-led AITC faction were blocked by police in Kolkata while attempting to protest against the Chief Election Commissioner and the Special Intensive Revision process. Authorities stated the rally lacked the necessary official permissions, leading to a standoff between protesters and law enforcement.
Why it matters
This incident highlights escalating political tensions in West Bengal and raises concerns regarding the administration of electoral processes and the right to public assembly.
Leaders and supporters of Mamata All India Trinamool Congress, who had gathered in Kolkata on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) to hold a procession in protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Special Intensive Revision (SIR), were not allowed to march as the police said that no permission was obtained for the event.
Senior leaders of the Mamata faction of the Trinamool Congress, Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen, MLA and former Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay and spokesperson Kunal Ghosh reached Rajabazar with supporters and raised slogans against Gyanesh Kumar. However, after some time, the police stopped the protesters from marching forward, and the crowd dispersed. The protest was the first major attempt by the Mamata Banerjee-led faction to organise protests on the streets of Kolkata over the SIR/ CEC issue.
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