Will BJP’s ‘Parivartan’ Rath Yatra Herald A Change In West Bengal?

Kolkata: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal government begins the first of its five Rath Yatras in West Bengal touching all the 294 assembly constituencies on Saturday. Inaugurated by BJP national president JP Nadda, it will be held in Nadia’s Nabadwip.

BJP’s West Bengal observer Arvind Menon said that the administration’s nod to hold the Rath Yatra is a sign of things to come and the TMC has realised that the people of West Bengal are no more with the ruling party.

Earlier, a detailed report had been sought from the saffron camp so that the administration can take adequate security measures during the public rally.

“In view of the programme, you are requested to make necessary arrangements of the following things well in advance. We need a detailed report of the number of vehicles involved, night halts, etc. Seeking cooperation for safety and security and also in maintaining law and order,” stated the letter that was sent to the BJP by the district police administration in connection with Nadda’s public speech scheduled at Chatir Math, in Nabadwip police station area.

“The TMC is aware of the reality. They know that they will not get back to power. With this, Parivartan Yatra, the BJP will mark the change in West Bengal. Whenever such yatras are held change is bound to come,” said Menon.

Earlier in the day the chief minister had taken to social media and said that the government didn’t cancel any yatra and also that the BJP is spreading canards to malign the ruling Trinamool Congress.

A petition has been filed by a lawyer, Rama Prasad Sarkar, in Calcutta High Court over the BJPs proposed five Rath Yatras on the grounds that they would affect the law and order of the state and will also spread COVID-19 infection.

The BJP wanted to organise similar Rath Yatras in 2018 ahead of the parliamentary election in 2019 but the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government didn’t give permission then.