Calcutta High Court Allows BJP-Backed Rally: In a significant decision that has stirred political and civic discussions across West Bengal, the Calcutta High Court has granted permission for a BJP-backed rally to take place in Kolkata on October 5, coinciding with the city’s grand Durga Puja Carnival. The ruling comes amid ongoing political tensions following recent rain-related deaths, civic criticism, and administrative disputes between the state government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Court’s Verdict: Balancing Rights and Public Order
The division bench of the Calcutta High Court allowed the BJP’s rally to proceed under specific conditions, emphasizing the need to ensure public safety and smooth traffic management during the event. The court underscored that freedom of assembly and expression are constitutionally guaranteed rights under Article 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution, which cannot be denied without substantial grounds.
The state administration had initially raised objections citing law-and-order concerns and the ongoing Puja Carnival preparations, which typically see thousands of participants and spectators along Red Road. However, the court noted that adequate police arrangements could manage both events if coordinated properly.
The bench directed the Kolkata Police to deploy additional personnel, set up separate traffic routes, and designate protest zones to ensure that the rally does not disrupt the carnival proceedings or emergency services.
(See Calcutta High Court Official Website for official updates and case summaries.)
Political Reactions: BJP Welcomes, TMC Criticizes
The decision was welcomed by senior BJP leaders, who described it as a “victory for democracy and people’s rights.” BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar said the rally would highlight the government’s “administrative failures and negligence” following rain-induced tragedies across the state.
In contrast, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders criticized the timing of the rally, calling it an attempt to politicize a cultural festival. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, “The BJP has no respect for Bengal’s cultural sentiment. Organizing a political rally during the Durga Puja Carnival shows insensitivity towards people’s emotions.”
Meanwhile, civic bodies like the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) expressed concern over the pressure the events would place on city infrastructure, particularly given recent flooding in several wards after torrential rain.
For updates on civic alerts, visit the Kolkata Municipal Corporation website.
The Context: Rain Deaths and Administrative Backlash
The controversy began when heavy rainfall in late September caused multiple deaths and severe flooding in parts of Kolkata and its suburbs. Several citizens blamed poor drainage management and infrastructure negligence, leading to public outrage.
The BJP announced a “Nyay Rally” (Justice Rally) to protest what it called “administrative apathy” and “avoidable deaths.” The state government, however, viewed the rally as a politically motivated attempt to disrupt peace during the festive season.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at a pre-Puja event, urged political parties to “respect Bengal’s tradition and unity during Durga Puja”, appealing to citizens to avoid divisive rhetoric during the celebrations.
For official disaster management reports, refer to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and West Bengal Disaster Management & Civil Defence Department.
Calcutta High Court Allows BJP-Backed Rally: Police and Administrative Preparations
Following the court’s verdict, Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal chaired multiple review meetings to ensure crowd control, especially near Red Road, Mayo Road, and Esplanade areas. Traffic advisories were issued, asking commuters to avoid central Kolkata between 2 PM and 8 PM on October 5.
The police will use CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, and temporary barricades to separate rally participants from carnival spectators. Around 4,000 police personnel were deployed, with emergency medical teams stationed along the route.
The West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services department has also put in place additional safety arrangements, considering the large public turnout expected at both events.
Check official traffic updates via the Kolkata Traffic Police portal.
Durga Puja Carnival 2025: A Celebration of Culture
The annual Durga Puja Carnival, organized by the West Bengal Tourism Department and the Information & Cultural Affairs Department, is a post-Puja celebration showcasing award-winning Puja idols on decorated trucks along Red Road.
Tourists, artists, and foreign delegates from various countries attend the event every year. This year, over 90 Puja committees from across the city are participating. The carnival is also a symbol of UNESCO’s recognition of Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021.
For more details, visit the West Bengal Tourism Department and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Public Sentiment: A City Torn Between Faith and Politics
While the High Court’s ruling has upheld democratic principles, citizens remain divided over its timing. Many feel that political events during festive celebrations risk overshadowing Bengal’s cultural unity, while others see it as an assertion of constitutional freedom.
Local shopkeepers near Esplanade expressed mixed reactions—some feared business disruption, while others welcomed the increased footfall. Social media too has been abuzz with debates under hashtags like #DurgaPuja2025, #CalcuttaHighCourt, and #BJPProtest.
Experts’ Take: Constitutional Freedom vs. Civic Sensitivity
Constitutional expert Prof. Subhasis Bhattacharya from Calcutta University remarked that the High Court’s decision reflects a “fine balance between democratic rights and administrative prudence.” He added, “The court has once again reinforced that citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly cannot be suppressed solely on account of political inconvenience.”
On the other hand, urban policy analyst Dr. Ananya Mukherjee emphasized that timing matters, noting that “While democracy allows dissent, civic sensitivity during major festivals must also be considered.”
Looking Ahead
As Kolkata moves past a weekend of mixed celebration and protest, the High Court’s decision sets a precedent for future civic-event coordination in politically charged environments. The verdict reaffirms the city’s spirit — one that stands at the intersection of faith, freedom, and resilience.
Both the BJP and TMC are now expected to recalibrate their narratives as West Bengal heads into the 2026 Assembly elections, where civic accountability and public safety may play a decisive role.
For continued judicial and administrative updates, refer to:
- Calcutta High Court – Official Judgments and Orders
- Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Government of India
- Election Commission of India
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