Is Mamata Banerjee's 'Nationalist Rally' a Response to BJP's 'Tiranga Yatra'?

Synopsis
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a 'Nationalist Rally' to be held on May 17 and 18. This rally is seen as a strategic move to counter BJP's 'Tiranga Yatra' and aims to honor the martyrs of the Indian armed forces. Will this rally influence the upcoming elections?
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee announces a 'Nationalist Rally' for May 17 and 18.
- The rally aims to honor the martyrs of the Indian armed forces.
- This event is positioned as a response to BJP's 'Tiranga Yatra.'
- Trinamool Congress emphasizes social responsibility over political gains.
- Preparations are underway to involve families of martyrs.
Kolkata, May 14 (NationPress) - The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, declared on Wednesday that the Trinamool Congress will host a 'Nationalist Rally' across the state for two days on May 17 and May 18, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This event aims to commemorate the achievements of 'Operation Sindoor,' initiated by the Centre in light of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Banerjee’s announcement followed closely after Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, revealed that the state’s BJP unit will conduct a 'Tiranga Yatra' in Kolkata on May 16 to honor the success of Operation Sindoor and to pay respect to the valor of the Indian armed forces.
In a statement to the media shortly after Adhikari's announcement, Banerjee emphasized that the 'Nationalist Rally' would take place at both bloc-levels in rural areas and ward-levels in urban settings. The rally aims to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Indian armed forces and extend condolences to their families.
“This will not be a political gathering. Instead, it will reflect our sense of social duty,” added the Chief Minister.
The state president of the Trinamool Congress, Subrata Bakshi, has already instructed district leaders to initiate preparations for the 'Nationalist Rally' on Saturday and Sunday. Bakshi also urged party members to involve the families of martyrs in the respective localities.
Political analysts opine that the announcement of the 'Nationalist Rally' by Trinamool Congress is a strategic move to counter BJP's 'Tiranga Yatra,' preventing the saffron party from capitalizing on the nationalistic sentiments surrounding Operation Sindoor, especially with the crucial West Bengal Assembly elections approaching next year.