Mamata Camps Overnight After TMC Martyrs' Day Stage Vandalised

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that its Martyrs' Day stage in front of the Birla Planetarium in Kolkata was vandalised late Monday night, prompting party chief Mamata Banerjee and several senior leaders to remain at the venue overnight. Party workers rebuilt the damaged stage by Tuesday morning, and the TMC said its annual Martyrs' Day tribute would proceed as scheduled.

The annual Martyrs' Day rally commemorates the July 21, 1993 police firing on Congress workers in Kolkata, in which 13 people were killed. The event has become one of the TMC's most significant political programmes. This year, three different TMC factions are scheduled to organise separate rallies in the city.

According to the TMC, banners and hoardings were found scattered across the road, while a section of the pandal constructed for the event was damaged during the alleged act of vandalism. The incident occurred after Mamata Banerjee had earlier visited the venue and claimed that her party was facing obstacles in organising meetings and processions ahead of the rally.

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As news of the alleged vandalism spread, Banerjee returned to the venue along with senior party leaders, including Dola Sen and Derek O'Brien. The Chief Minister said they would remain at the site throughout the night to prevent any further disruption and ensure that preparations for the Martyrs' Day programme continued without interruption.

By Tuesday morning, party workers had restored the damaged stage, and the TMC reiterated that the commemorative event would be held as planned. The incident has added to political tensions in West Bengal, where the Martyrs' Day rally remains a major annual mobilisation for the party.

Authorities have not yet announced the findings of any investigation into the alleged vandalism. The incident is expected to trigger political exchanges between rival parties, while security arrangements around the venue have been strengthened to ensure the smooth conduct of the Martyrs' Day observance.

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