‘Can’t march down Kol streets with tape in hand’: CM slams Trinamool over July 21 ‘recce’, cops file FIR against 3 netas
Times of India | 30 June 2026
Kolkata: Barely hours after CM Suvendu Adhikari chose the floor of the Assembly on Monday to warn Trinamool “Mamata Banerjee-loyalists” against “marching down Kolkata’s streets with a measuring tape in hand without permission,” Hare Street PS lodged an FIR against three TMC netas -- Kunal Ghosh, Dola Sen and Baiswanar Chatterjee -- for “causing hindrance to daily commuters”.
The FIR came a day after “Mamata-loyalist” netas, led by Ghosh and Sen, went near Victoria House — the venue where TMC has been holding its July 21 Martyrs’ Day programme — with decorators and took measurements, even though there was no clarity on police permissions.
In his speech at the Assembly, the CM said that all protocol would have to be followed and permissions taken before rallies are held. Suggesting the Brigade Parade Ground as an alternative site, where the programme was held in 2011, Adhikari reminded the House that the decision to allot a venue rests solely with the administration.
“Seek permission, and I’ll tell you where space can be arranged,” Adhikari said and added with sarcasm, “You (Trinamool) draw a massive crowd... 30 lakh people. Why not hold the event at Brigade Parade Ground like 2011?” The CM then said, “If you want to wage a political war, go ahead. But people won’t turn up anyway.”
Adhikari went on and reminded the Assembly that he had to approach the high court over 100 times to hold rallies while he was the LoP. “But former CM Mamata Banerjee wanted Rani Rashmoni Avenue in 15 days’ time, to hold her rally. I thought a huge crowd would turn up, so I suggested holding it at the Y-Channel. I had no idea only 500-600 would turn up,” he said and asked, “You think you can file an application and then immediately march onto Kolkata’s streets with a measuring tape and arrive in front of Victoria House? Who gave you that right?”
By evening, the police acted by lodging an FIR against MLA Ghosh, RS member Sen and advocate Baiswanar Chatterjee. They have been charged under BNS Section 285, which penalises any individual who, through careless acts or negligence, creates danger, obstruction or injury on public roads, pathways or waterways. Violators face a fine of up to Rs 5,000. It is a bailable and cognisable offence.
An ACP at Lalbazar said the FIR was filed because Ghosh, Sen and Chatterjee, with others, “...had formed a gathering on Bentinck Street, causing hindrance to vehicular traffic and daily commuters. A case has been initiated,” said an additional CP at Lalbazar. Sources said a notice has been issued to all three leaders, asking them to explain their conduct.
Reacting to the CM’s comments, Ghosh said, “Let them give us Brigade... but in monsoon, the ground becomes soggy. The site near Victoria House has an emotional connect since that is where people were martyred in 1994.