Preparations are underway in Kolkata for BJP President Amit Shah's rally today
BJP President Amit Shah is all set to address a rally in front of the landmark Victoria House in Kolkata today.
The rally comes after a war of words between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress over the venue of the event.
The BJP had accused the Trinamool of creating hurdles to stall the event. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has always addressed the party's annual Martyrs Day rally on July 21 at this venue.
After the state police refused permission for the rally, the BJP appealed to the Calcutta High Court three times for permission for the rally. On Friday, the High Court finally gave permission on a conditional basis, stating that the party must "comply with statutes" of the city's civic body and fire brigade. It also appointed two special officers to assist the party. A day later, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation also gave the go-ahead to the event.
On Saturday, BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh told the Press Trust of India that Mr Shah, who is credited with the party's landslide victories in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, would sound the bugle for the upcoming 2016 Assembly elections in the state.
"This (green signal by local authorities for the rally) is a victory of the masses. The anarchic TMC regime was trying to stop the rally but they have been given a befitting reply," Mr Singh said.