TMC's Shashi Panja Urges Compliance with Election Rules Amid Rahul Gandhi's Visit Controversy
Rahul's visit row: Follow rules, ask EC, says TMC's Shashi Panja
Asianet Newsable
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West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja emphasized that all political parties, including Congress, must adhere to the rules for obtaining permission for public meetings. This statement comes after Congress alleged that permission for Rahul Gandhi's visit to Kolkata on April 23 was denied by local authorities, purportedly influenced by the ruling Trinamool Congress government.
- 01Shashi Panja stressed the importance of following the Suvidha Portal rules for public meeting permissions.
- 02Congress claims that local authorities denied permission for Rahul Gandhi's scheduled visit to Kolkata.
- 03The Election Commission of India is expected to address the permission denial issue.
- 04Polling for West Bengal's Assembly elections will occur in two phases, with results on May 4.
- 05The contest is intensifying between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition, including Congress and BJP.
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West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) addressed the media regarding the controversy surrounding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's planned visit to Kolkata on April 23. She stated that all political parties must submit requests for public meetings through the Suvidha Portal at least 2-7 days in advance. The Congress party alleges that the local administration and police denied permission for Gandhi's visit, acting under the influence of the TMC government. They claim they waited until 6:00 PM for clearance but received none, leading to logistical challenges for the event. Consequently, Congress plans to submit a fresh request for a revised schedule, likely for April 25 or 26. This incident occurs amidst a critical electoral battle in West Bengal, where the Congress is contesting in alliance with the Left Front against the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The elections for the 294-member Assembly will be conducted in two phases, with counting scheduled for May 4. The first phase includes 152 constituencies, while the second covers 142 seats, marking a significant contest for the TMC, which seeks a fourth consecutive term, and the BJP, aiming to gain power after a strong performance in previous elections.
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The denial of permission for Rahul Gandhi's visit could hinder Congress's campaign efforts in West Bengal, affecting their strategy against the ruling TMC and BJP.
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