Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari participated in a Tiranga rally on Friday in Bhabanipur, marking West Bengal’s first-time participation in the @theweek mission. The event, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to foster nationalism, saw a large gathering of saffron supporters waving the Indian national flag.
During the rally, Adhikari stated that the previous government had not been part of the mission, noting that with the blessings of the people, they have formed a nationalist government which has joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Har Ghar Tiranga mission.
Bhabanipur Consolidation and Symbolism
The rally followed a path Adhikari previously took with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the filing of nomination papers for the Assembly elections. While that earlier event involved clashes with Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters near the residence of former CM Mamata Banerjee, officials noted that no such protests occurred during Friday's rally.
Adhikari, who won the Bhabanipur constituency by defeating Mamata Banerjee on her home turf, used the event to thank residents for the turnout and reiterate his commitment to the constituency. As Vande Mataram played from loudspeakers, the Chief Minister emphasized the current government’s focus on the cultural ethos of Indian soil.
Statewide Mobilization and Logistics
The West Bengal government has announced the distribution of 70 lakh national flags to support the program. According to Adhikari, arrangements for participation have been made across several administrative levels, including:
- All 22 districts
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation and 7 other municipal corporations
- 46 sub-divisions and 342 blocks
- 121 municipalities
The Chief Minister stated that government departments, youth organizations, political organizations, and local self-government institutions will all take part. The state plans to illuminate heritage sites, cultural institutions, and important government buildings in tricolor. Commercial entities, including shopping malls, hotels, and industrial enterprises, are also expected to participate via lighting and flag hoisting.
Upcoming Major Rally and Traffic Restrictions
A larger “historic” rally is scheduled for August 10, starting at 3 PM from the Netaji statue in Kolkata. Adhikari has called for 50,000 people to join the event, noting that over 30,000 have already expressed interest. The procession is expected to move from Red Road to the Birla Planetarium.
Additionally, a tricolor journey involving several thousand people will take place in the Bhabanipur Constituency, starting from Alipore’s Survey Building and ending at Hazra More, with the Chief Minister in attendance.
The Kolkata Traffic Police have issued an advisory regarding extensive restrictions on August 10 to accommodate the expected crowd. Major road closures or diversions will affect the Maidan area, including:
- Red Road, Mayo Road, and Jawaharlal Nehru Road
- Kingsway, R.R. Avenue, and Cathedral Road
- Plassey Gate Road, Queensway, and Khidirpur Road
- Lovers Lane and Casuarina Avenue
Goods vehicles will face restrictions on routes such as the Vidyasagar Setu, AJC Bose Road (from Lenin Sarani/Moulali crossing to Hastings), and S.P. Mukherjee Road (from Rashbehari Avenue to Exide crossing). However, vehicles transporting essential supplies—including medicines, vegetables, milk, fish, fruits, oxygen, and fuel (CNG, petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders)—are exempt from these curbs.
Cultural and Educational Programming
Beyond the rallies, the state is organizing a series of patriotic activities. These include speech and quiz competitions, drawing contests, and various cultural programs designed to engage the public in the national celebration.
Ещё по этой теме
