Army pulls down TMC stage in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee blames BJP for ‘misuse’

Kolkata: The Indian Army dismantled Trinamool protest stage at Mayo Road in Kolkata, even as West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee lashed out at BJP for 'using' the army.

“We hold the Indian Army in the highest regard. What happened at Mayo Road is not the Army’s handiwork. The BJP abused power to dismantle our “Bhasha Andolan” protest dais despite prior permission being granted and security deposits submitted,” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed.
Banerjee attacked BJP's double-engine government for misusing the army and claimed that she does not blame the army. Calling it "unethical and undemocratic", Banerjee said BJP cannot throttle the voice and she will continue to protest terrorism in Bengali language.


Meanwhile, issuing a statement, Army said, “Indian army (Local military Authority, Kolkata) gives permission for events in the Maidan area for a duration of two days, as directed by the Hon’ble supreme court of India. Permission for events greater than 3 days need to be obtained from the MoD under Government of India."

“Permission for conduct of events were provided for two days; however, the stage has been put up for almost a month. Several reminders have been sent to the organisers for removal of the temporary structure. However, it was not removed. Thereafter, the Kolkata police was informed, and the structure was being removed by the Indian Army,” army said in a statement.

Banerjee, however, claimed that Kolkata Police was not informed and her office could have been informed as she shares a very good relationship with the army.

“I will not blame the army, because they work for the nation. Does Prime Minister Narendra Modi take permission from us when he comes to Kolkata? It is a matter of courtesy. I respect the uniform, but they are being misused by the BJP,” Banerjee claimed.

She also claimed that army officials ran away when she reached the spot. “Why are you running away? You are my friend, I told the army men. I am not blaming them. They (BJP) are using the army to dismantle. They should have consulted and then dismantled the stage, removed our posters, mike and decoration. It is not the Indian Army but it is BJP who misused the army for their political vendetta. I respect the army and attend their every programme,” Banerjee said.

Banerjee said the state was erected to protest against language terrorism. “Shame on BJP for doing this. Double-engine government of BJP is shameful. All agencies are being used. Only the army was an exception. Name one agency, which is impartial!” Banerjee lashed out.

“If permission has to be taken from Delhi, will we not be able to do the programme in Brigade Parade Ground? …Now, we cannot do any programme on Red Road, in front of Gandhi Statue or Brigade Parade Ground? You (army) have the best of relations with the state Sports minister, you could have called me and we would have removed it,” Banerjee claimed.

Banerjee pointed out that an alternative stage on Rani Rashmoni Road would be erected and protests will continue.

Leader of Opposition Suvdendu Adhikari said in X Handle Post, “Your audacity to defame the Indian Army, the pride of our nation, is a new low. We always knew that you are an Anti National, however claiming that 200 brave Army personnel "ran away" when you arrived at the Maidan is not just the biggest lie you ever uttered, it's a disgusting attempt to tarnish the honour of our Armed Forces, whose courage and sacrifice are unmatched. This is the same Army that protects our borders, stands tall in crises, and commands respect worldwide. Yet, you, in your desperate bid to project yourself as a "street fighter," have stooped to insulting their dignity for cheap political mileage.”