Several buses carrying women from Sandeshkhali to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in West Bengal’s Barasat were reportedly halted by the police at numerous checkpoints, citing “security protocol”.
PM Modi is scheduled to address the rally at Kachari Maidan in Barasat, which is situated in North 24 Parganas district, where Sandeshkhali is located.
The State BJP had organised transportation for the women of Sandeshkhali, who allegedly faced mistreatment by suspended TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his associates, to attend the rally, approximately 80 km away.
A BJP leader aboard one of the buses accused the police of obstructing their journey to the PM’s rally, stating, “The buses were first stopped at the Biswa Bangla Gate in New Town, and then again at Airport Gate 1 on the way to Barasat, citing security protocol. The police are trying to stop us from going to the PM’s rally.”
In response, the police defended their actions, citing “security protocol” and explaining that the restriction on traffic movement along the route was necessary as the PM would travel through that road to Barasat.
“The traffic movement on the entire stretch has been restricted due to security reasons,” stated a police officer.
Earlier, State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar had expressed willingness to facilitate a meeting between the women of Sandeshkhali and the PM if they desired. However, the interruption of their transportation to the rally underscores the complex dynamics surrounding political events and security considerations in the region.
