Shahid Diwas posters featuring CM Mamata torn ahead of July 21 rally; TMC files complaint against BJP-CPI(M)

Posters of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were found torn in parts of Kolkata late Saturday night, ahead of Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) upcoming July 21 ‘Shahid Diwas’ rally. The incident took place in the Prince Anwar Shah Connector area, particularly near the popular market, Sheetala temple, and Mandal Bridge, where several posters had been put up by party workers promoting the annual event.

Local TMC leaders alleged that the posters were deliberately damaged, with many specifically targeting the Chief Minister’s image. According to the party, these posters had been installed to publicize the rally scheduled for July 21, and were torn during the night hours. Several posters were reportedly removed from walls and poles, while some had only the face of Mamata Banerjee ripped out.

TMC councillor from Ward 106, Arijit Das Thakur, filed a formal complaint at the Garfa Police Station, accompanied by fellow party workers. The complaint accused supporters of the BJP and CPI(M) of being behind the incident. It stated that the act was not just vandalism, but a deliberate attempt to insult the Chief Minister. In the written complaint, the party alleged, “BJP and CPI(M) supporters, unable to counter TMC’s increasing public support, are resorting to such actions.”

The party submitted CCTV footage collected from nearby cameras to the police as evidence. Police officials confirmed that they have started a preliminary investigation into the matter and are reviewing the footage to identify those involved. Officials said that further action, including registration of a case against unidentified persons, would follow based on the outcome of the analysis.

The July 21 ‘Shahid Diwas’ rally is one of TMC’s largest political events, with supporters from across West Bengal attending in large numbers. The event is held annually in remembrance of party workers killed in a police firing during a protest in 1993. Security has been heightened in several parts of Kolkata in the lead-up to the rally. As of Sunday evening, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.