The Congress Janta Party (CJP) has written to Kolkata Police seeking permission to hold a rally in the city, looking to extend its agitation over the NEET examination paper leak and related issues beyond New Delhi. The proposed march is also framed as a show of solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike.

The Permission Requests

According to police sources, the first email was sent on 19 July to the Joint Commissioner (Headquarters) and Joint Commissioner (Crime) of Kolkata Police, seeking clearance for a rally from College Street in North Kolkata to Rani Rashmoni Road in Central Kolkata on 22 July from 4 pm onwards. The email was reportedly sent by Dedipyo Gangopadhyay, who has identified himself as an active CJP member.

Police subsequently denied permission for the 22 July rally. A second email was then received at the same police addresses, this time requesting clearance for the identical route on 24 July. Following this second communication, Kolkata Police reportedly initiated inquiries into Gangopadhyay.

What the Organiser Said

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Gangopadhyay confirmed he had sent both emails and said no approval had been received as yet. 'We have invited students, youth and members of civil society to participate in the rally. However, those allegedly involved in the cash-for-school job recruitment scam or other education-related irregularities in West Bengal have been requested to stay away,' he said.

Asked whether the rally would proceed without official permission, Gangopadhyay said no decision had been taken on that aspect so far.

The Political Backdrop

The development carries added significance given that former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s annual Martyrs' Day rally on 21 July, announced her intention to travel to New Delhi to extend support to the CJP-led agitation over the NEET paper leak. Notably, the second permission email was sent on the same day as Banerjee's announcement, according to police sources.

This comes amid sustained national pressure over the NEET paper leak controversy, which has drawn protests from student groups and opposition parties across several states.

Police Stance

Kolkata Police stated it would take necessary precautionary measures in view of the possibility that the rally could proceed without official sanction. The force has not publicly indicated whether the 24 July request will be granted.

With the NEET controversy continuing to fuel street-level mobilisation and Wangchuk's hunger strike drawing nationwide attention, the outcome of the Kolkata permission request is likely to set a precedent for how the CJP's agitation unfolds outside the capital.