In major setback to Mamata Banerjee, Calcutta high court gives nod to BJP’s rath yatra

New Delhi: In a massive blow to Mamata Banerjee, the Calcutta high court has given a clear go-ahead to Bengal BJP to hold its much-anticipated rath yatra in the state. The high court has added that BJP needs to keep the district administration in the loop and there should not be any law and order problem.

'যাত্রা হচ্ছেই'
মহামান্য হাইকোর্টের রায় যাত্রার পক্ষেই। pic.twitter.com/ia74c8pFA9

— BJP Bengal (@BJP4Bengal)

Also read: 'Rok sako toh rok lo': Amit Shah dares Mamata Banerjee over Bengal rath yatra

The Mamata government has been extremely reluctant to give permission, citing an intel report saying the rath yatras will create ‘communal tension’. Earlier, the state BJP appealed against the verdict of the Calcutta high court in the division bench that ordered the state administration to meet a three-member BJP delegation and report back to the court. On Thursday, the court has given its verdict, that is being seen as a major embarrassment for the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Calcutta High Court allows to hold statewide Rath Yatra...Deals a decisive blow & rejection of Mamata Banerjee's fascist & anti-democratic politics.

— Dr. Anirban Ganguly (@anirbanganguly)

According to the new schedule, the three rath yartras are scheduled to take place on December 22, 24 and 26. The three rath yatras will cut across all the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies of Bengal. Each yatra will culminate with a major rally that is set to be addressed by BJP chief Amit Shah.

State BJP leader Mukul Roy has welcomed the decision, saying, "Democracy wins, Mamata loses".

Democracy wins, loses. pic.twitter.com/xuUmwd8RD4

— Mukul Roy (@MukulR_Official)

BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said, "The more she (Mamata Banerjee) suppresses, the more successful will be the rath yatra".

BJP’s Bengal-in-charge Kailash Vijaivargiya said that they stand vindicated after the verdict. So far, the TMC has been tight-lipped about the development.

Also read: Calcutta high court snubs Mamata govt, ordering it to meet BJP delegation and allow rath yatra

However, the Mamata government is likely to challenge this in the court of law.

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