Section 144 only in certain parts of city; PM Modi's rally not affected says Police

A significant political controversy erupted following Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal's announcement of imposing Section 144 on the streets of Kolkata for two months starting Tuesday, May 28. The notice, which restricts gatherings of five or more people.

In response to these allegations, Trinamool Congress has refuted the claims, stating that the imposition of Section 144 is a routine procedure carried out every two months. They emphasized that the areas affected by the notification, particularly Bowbazar, Harestreet, and Lalbazar, are regular hotspots for demonstrations and thus require such measures to maintain public order.

The notification earlier had caused panic among the public as this being a "routine procedure" was not mentioned clearly. Several politicians, press, public had posted the imposition of Section 144 and started online debated. This was later clarified by the Kolkata Police in the following new post with previous year's example of a similar notification.

The BJP had alleged that the notification is a deliberate move to obstruct Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming rally. BJP leaders have accused the Kolkata Police of conspiring to hamper their election campaign by invoking Section 144.

CP Vineet Goyal clarified that the notification is not intended to interfere with any election activities. Hence, PM Modi's May 28th rally in central Kolkata will be unhampered. 

Sources within Lalbazar reiterated that the issuance of this notification is a standard practice and there is no specific targeting of the Prime Minister's rally. The police assured the public that there would be no hindrance to any election programs and urged Kolkatans not to be misled by misinformation.