TMC sets stage for grand rally at Brigade maidan ahead of Lok Sabha elections
Telegraph | 26 February 2024
In a significant political maneuver, the Trinamul Congress (TMC) has announced a grand rally at Calcutta's Brigade Maidan, scheduled for March 10, as it seeks to bolster support before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This event, dubbed the 'Jangarjan Sabha,' marks a notable resurgence of the party's public engagement efforts, following a hiatus in Brigade Maidan rallies since their last major gathering before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The rally is poised to feature prominent TMC leaders, including General Secretary Mamata Banerjee and All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, signaling the party's intent to launch a comprehensive campaign effort. The announcement, made through posters released by the party, invites supporters to join the rally starting at 11 am, underlining its significance in the TMC's pre-election strategy.
This move comes as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), TMC's main political adversary, kicks off its final campaign phase in the state with Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheading efforts to woo voters. Modi's campaign itinerary includes stops in Arambagh and Krishnanagar, culminating in a Women's Conference in Barasat aimed at rallying support among the women affected by the Sandeshkhali violence.
The TMC's decision to convene at Brigade Maidan is symbolic, given the site's historical significance as a venue for major political gatherings in Kolkata. The party seeks to draw a significant crowd, potentially surpassing those of recent rallies held by various Hindutva organizations and the CPM's youth wing at the same location. This strategic choice reflects the TMC's ambition to demonstrate its grassroots support and organizational strength in a direct show of force against its rivals.
Beyond the immediate electoral considerations, the rally also embodies the TMC's broader critique of the central government's policies, particularly its claims of financial deprivation and unfair treatment towards West Bengal. By placing these grievances at the forefront of its rally agenda, the TMC aims to galvanize public support and frame the upcoming elections as a referendum on the central government's stewardship.