Why Are Political Parties in Bengal Cancelling Events?
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Synopsis
Kolkata is facing a severe crisis as relentless rain leads to widespread waterlogging, forcing political parties in West Bengal to cancel all scheduled events. The situation remains dire as the community grapples with safety concerns and disrupted plans for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
Key Takeaways
- Waterlogging in Kolkata has led to significant disruptions.
- Political parties are prioritizing public safety by canceling events.
- Record rainfall has caused over 300 mm of rain in a short period.
- Many events, including Durga Puja inaugurations, are postponed.
- The West Bengal government has declared an early holiday due to the situation.
Kolkata, Sep 23 (NationPress) Following a night of relentless downpours, waterlogging has severely impacted daily life in Kolkata, prompting political parties across West Bengal to cancel all their planned activities on Tuesday.
The Trinamool Congress refrained from conducting any political events for the day.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also declared that she would postpone the inauguration of Durga Puja mandaps on Tuesday due to the city’s unprecedented rainfall.
If conditions improve, she intends to commence the inaugurations from Wednesday.
The Chief Minister is also set to inaugurate the Kalighat fire station, designed based on the Kalighat Temple, on Wednesday.
In the meantime, state Assembly's Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari canceled all his political engagements due to the heavy rains.
He was supposed to attend a screening of 'The Bengal Files' at the Indian Museum in Kolkata, which was also ultimately canceled.
Additionally, the Opposition leader was scheduled to inaugurate a puja initiated by BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar, tragically killed in Beliaghata, as well as a puja in Kolkata’s Kasba area.
LoP Adhikari has put a halt to all his political activities.
Three prominent Congress leaders, Supriya Shrinate, Ghulam Ahmed Mir, and Mahima Singh, were in Kolkata for a press briefing.
Nevertheless, due to waterlogging and forecasts of scattered rain throughout Tuesday, the party meeting was called off, as expressed by Pradesh Congress Convener Mita Chakraborty.
Meanwhile, a meeting was planned by the Kolkata district committee of the CPI-M, but they have already announced its cancellation.
As the city grappled with unprecedented overnight rainfall, Kolkata and nearby areas were inundated with knee-deep water on Tuesday, causing significant disruption to daily activities.
Reports indicated more than 300 mm of rain fell between midnight and 5 p.m. throughout the city.
Authorities confirmed that at least seven individuals were electrocuted amid the chaos.
The West Bengal government has declared an early Durga Puja holiday in light of the current circumstances, while Calcutta University has postponed examinations originally scheduled for Tuesday.
Point of View
The need for effective governance and swift response is paramount. The cancelation of events by major political parties in Bengal indicates a recognition of the gravity of the situation, reflecting a commitment to public safety. As we navigate these unprecedented weather challenges, the focus must remain on supporting affected communities while ensuring that safety protocols are adhered to.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the cancellation of political events in Bengal?
The cancellation was primarily due to severe waterlogging in Kolkata caused by overnight incessant rain.
How much rainfall was recorded in Kolkata?
Over 300 mm of rainfall was reported between midnight to 5 p.m. across the city.
What safety measures were taken by the government?
The West Bengal government declared an early Durga Puja holiday and postponed Calcutta University examinations to ensure public safety.
How are political leaders responding to the situation?
Political leaders, including Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari, have canceled events and prioritized public safety over political engagements.
What is the impact of waterlogging on daily life in Kolkata?
The waterlogging has disrupted daily life, making transportation difficult and posing safety risks, including tragic incidents of electrocution.
