Mamata Banerjee Leads Protest Against Post-Election Violence in Kolkata

Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee initiated a protest in Kolkata on Tuesday, condemning alleged violence against her party workers and leaders following the recent assembly elections. The protest, which was initially planned at Rani Rashmoni Avenue, was relocated to a bus stop in Dharmatala after Kolkata Police denied permission for the original venue.

Mamata Banerjee, accompanied by senior TMC leaders Kalyan Banerjee, Dola Sen, and Kunal Ghosh, began the demonstration by paying tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's statue on Red Road. Holding a book based on the Indian Constitution, she addressed the gathering using a megaphone, stating that they were not allowed to set up a stage or use microphones. She emphasized her determination to continue the fight, saying, "I will fight or die."

Earlier, Mamata had warned that if her protests were obstructed in Kolkata, the party would escalate the movement to New Delhi. TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee also criticized the police, urging them to act according to the Constitution and not under political pressure. He hinted at larger protests in the coming days.

Mamata Banerjee has also alleged that BJP and police are pressuring TMC legislators to defect. In a Facebook video message on Monday, she claimed that some TMC MLAs and MPs were being intimidated or bribed to weaken the party.