Police says 'no' to both Trinamool factions for Shaheed Diwas event in front of Victoria House

The historic tradition of holding the annual July 21 Martyrs' Day rally at Dharmatala is facing a major hurdle, following an explicit denial from the Kolkata Police. Citing statutory restrictions, the law enforcement agency on Tuesday officially rejected separate applications filed by both the Kalighat Trinamool camp and the rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee. The police department's decision strongly signals that large-scale public gatherings in front of the iconic Victoria House may now effectively be a thing of the past.

According to official sources, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda confirmed that prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the previous Criminal Procedure Code are currently in active force in the areas surrounding Victoria House. Under Section 163 of the newly enforced Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), all forms of public gatherings and assembly are strictly prohibited at the site. Consequently, neither of the warring Trinamool factions will be permitted to organize their flagship commemoration event at the venue on July 21, 2026.

The sudden ban has forced political planners back to the drawing board, particularly within the Mamata Banerjee-led Kalighat Trinamool camp. Following the direct administrative refusal, senior party leaders have reportedly begun reviewing alternative venues across the city to host the annual event, which honors the 13 workers killed in a 1993 police firing. With the Esplanade site officially sealed off to political congregations, both factions must find a new space to demonstrate their respective organizational strength.