Mamata Banerjee Kolkata Rally today LIVE updates: The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s “United India” rally in Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds as several opposition leaders arrived for the “historic” event to prepare a roadmap for a coalition against the Narendra Modi-led BJP government. Taking to Twitter on Saturday morning, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said, “Only few hours to go for the historic ‘United India Rally’ at Brigade Parade Grounds. I welcome all national leaders, supporters and lakhs of people to participate in today’s rally to pledge to build a stronger, progressive and united India.”
More than 20 national political leaders, including former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Arun Shourie; three present chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu and H D Kumaraswamy; and former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav and Gegong Apang are expected to attend the meeting, PTI quoted TMC sources as saying. The Congress is expected to be represented by Mallikarjun Kharge and Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The importance of regional parties and their unity in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls is also expected to be highlighted. A thick security blanket has been thrown around the sprawling ground to prevent any untoward incident.
Historic rally will mark death knell for BJP, says Mamata
Speaking to reporters earlier, Mamata Banerjee had said, “It will be a historic mega rally. It will be a platform of all political parties to drive the BJP out. The nation will hear from leaders of different parties. The rally will mark the death knell for BJP. We (TMC) will hear what all parties have to say. Every political party has its own vision and ideology. We will not thrust our opinion on others. Let the leaders decide. This time regional parties will be the decision-maker.” She added, “BJP will not get more than 125 seats this time. I do not know how many seats Congress will get. Congress is sending (Mallikarjun) Kharge ji and Abhishek Manu Singhvi for the rally.”
'With Karnataka alliance in such a shape, what will happen in future?'
Taking a dig at the Opposition leaders who are expected to turn up at the rally, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "All of them (opposition leaders) are like tired, defeated wrestlers who want to get back into the ring to apply their luck again. When the first alliance in Karnataka itself is in such a shape, then what will happen in future?"
'Show of hypocrisy': Babul Supriyo
Continuing his attack on the Mamata government, Babul Supriyo said, "The TMC has a large fund base for the rally but not for the state? Kolkata will witness a show of hypocrisy today."
Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah arrives for rally
No traffic enroute Esplanade via Vidyasagar Setu bridge
Several gather at Brigade Parade Ground
An overview of the crowd at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Saturday morning. (Express photo/Partha Paul)
Mamata Banerjee arrives at Brigade Parade Ground
TMC should chant 'Let's make India better': Babul Supriyo
"Instead of chanting 'Brigade Chalo', they all should chant ‘Let’s make India better’. Then, some fruitful decisions can be made for the county and for the people!," Babul Supriyo posted on Twitter.
BJP MP Babul Supriyo slams TMC
Slamming the TMC government for stalling traffic across the city, Asansol MP and BJP leader Babul Supriyo tweeted, "By putting the traffic on stand still and harassing the general public, TMC wants to stand up for the state’s well fare? How ironical! I urge all to share their today's traffic woes."
Explained: The significance of Mamata's rally today
The Indian Express explains: Mamata Banerjee is hosting a mega rally of Opposition leaders in Kolkata today. This show of strength will in a way sound the poll bugle for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The coming together of such diverse political figures from across the country with Mamata as their pivot will also firmly establish the TMC chief as one of the contenders for the top job post-elections, should it be available.
Adivasis gather at Brigade Parade Ground
Rahul Gandhi writes to Mamata: ‘Hope rally will send message of a united India’
Congress president Rahul Gandhi also extended his support and said he hoped the show of strength will send a powerful message of a united India. He said there are millions of Indians, who can see through the “false promises and lies peddled by the Modi government”, and are hoping for a new tomorrow, one where they were being heard and respected. “The entire opposition is united in our belief that true nationalism and development can only be defended on the tested pillars of democracy, social justice and secularism, ideas that the BJP and Mr Modi are intent on destroying,” the Congress leader posted on Facebook. He also hailed the citizens of West Bengal for being at the forefront of defending the country’s ideals.
Political leaders extend support to Mamata
More than 20 national leaders, including former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, his son and Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah, Sharad Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Hemant Soren and former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang, reached Kolkata on Friday to take part in the rally. Although Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati will not attend the rally, senior party leader Satish Chandra Mishra will be present on her behalf.
Buses to ferry TMC workers
While Gitanjali Stadium will accommodate workers from Malda and Murshidabad, Central Park is being used for workers from North Bengal districts. “Our target is to bring more than 50 lakh people to the rally. The kind of support we have received so far makes it evident that people have responded to Mamata’s call,” said TMC councillor Ashim Kumar Bose. At Sealdah station, buses have been arranged to ferry workers to the camps. Workers will also be ferried to the Brigade Parade grounds Saturday. State minister Jyotipriya Mallick was at the station to receive workers who arrived Thursday. “A large number of people have arrived today and more will come tomorrow,” he said.
AAP's Arvind Kejriwal arrives for anti-BJP rally
Mamata takes stock of rally preparations
CM Mamata Banerjee reviewed the preparations for the rally on Friday. (Express photo)
Lepcha community joins TMC rally
Arrangements made to accomodate 20,000 TMC workers
In order to accomodate the around 20,000 party workers who have arrived for the rally, several arrangments have been made by the TMC. Two giant tents, CCTV cameras, a help desk and a health kiosk have been set up at the Gitanjali Stadium, Central Park in Salt Lake, Uttirna and Khudiram Anushilan Kendra. “We will put in place the best arrangements to make them feel at home,” said state minister and TMC leader Nirmal Majhi, who was monitoring activities at Gitanjali Stadium Thursday. He said around 1,000 TMC workers would look after party members who will stay at the camps for the next two days.
TMC workers chant slogans in favour of Mamata govt
Commuters likely to face shortage of buses
Arrangements have been made for buses and other vehicles. Vehicles will be parked in Rangers ground and Bangabasi Ground and will be able to move from 2nd Hooghly bridge. Parking arrangements have also been made on Strand Road, Khiderpore road, Strand Bank North Road. Daily commuters in Kolkata are likely to face a shortage of buses in certain routes as many buses have been hired by the Trinamool Congress to ferry its supporters. A transport department source said 60 per cent of commuters travel by bus. Around 75 per cent of buses have already been hired, said a representative of a bus association.
NCP leader Praful Patel arrives at Kolkata airport
No good vehicles between 4am-8pm in city today
Police said the movement of goods vehicles will be restricted within the city from 4 am to 8 pm today. No vehicles will be allowed to be parked in and around Victoria Memorial Hall, a portion of AJC Bose Road between Hastings crossings and Cathedral Road, Hospital Road, Queensway, Cathedral Road, Casuarina Avenue and Lovers Lane. “Movement of vehicles and carts including trams are likely to be temporarily suspended or diverted… as and when necessary,” said a traffic police officer.
Jignesh Mevani arrives to join Mahagathbandhan
Independent MLA from Gujarat and Dalit youth leader Jignesh Mevani arrived in Kolkata on Friday. He was invited for the event by CM Banerjee in October last year, when the duo had met in the city. “I was invited by Banerjee and we had a discussion for over an hour on a range of issues. We had a mutual agreement on joining hands notwithstanding our disagreements over certain issues to defeat common enemy, Fascism," Mewani had told The Indian Express.
Seven entry points, only VIP vehicles near ground: Police
Sources said there will be seven entry points to the venue. Vehicles carrying TMC workers from south Kolkata will be parked at Kidderpore and Hazra; those from North Kolkata will be parked on Ganesh Chandra Avenue; those from Howrah at Kona Expressway. Only vehicles carrying VIP leaders will be allowed near the ground itself, said a police officer. “TMC supporters will be coming from Howrah Bridge, Shyambazar, Kidderpore crossing, Hazra crossing, Sealdah station and Park Circus. Police will escort these rallies so everything goes as planned. Two DC-ranked officials will be deployed on EM Bypass to keep the movement of vehicles smooth,” the officer said.
3,000 volunteers to tackle crowd
The rally venue will be divided into 22 zones, each supervised by a deputy commissioner-rank officer of Kolkata Police. Aside from police personnel, 3,000 party volunteers will also help man the crowd. Police will also be deployed at strategic points in the main arteries of the city. “We are expecting a historic gathering. We are happy with the security arrangements made by the state administration,” a TMC leader said.
10,000 personnel on standby; drones, CCTVs in place
With a host of political leaders set to attend the event, Kolkata Police has deployed 10,000 personnel as well as drones and CCTV cameras. Police sources said the event, which will see leaders ranging from former prime ministers to serving chief ministers, will have a security cover on par with Republic Day parades. A special team has been formed with officers from the Special Task Force, special branch and Anti-Rowdy Squad. High-profile leaders will travel from their hotel to the rally venue via a dedicated corridor.
Adivasi group arrives from Jangalmahal on foot
Anti-BJP rally likely to begin at 12 pm
TMC supporters head towards Brigade Parade Ground
TMC supporters head towards the Brigade Parade Ground for the mega event. (Express photo)
Mamata Banerjee welcomes Opposition leaders
Taking to Twitter today morning, Mamata said, "Only few hours to go for the historic 'United India Rally' at Brigade Parade Grounds. I welcome all national leaders, supporters and lakhs of people to participate in today's rally to pledge to build a stronger, progressive and united India."
Stage set for Opposition's show of strength
The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's mega Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government today. Several Opposition leaders have arrived in Kolkata to attend the mega event. Follow our live blog for all latest updates.