KOLKATA POLICE PUTS TMC’S PROTEST MARCH ON NOTICE, SAYS NO FORMAL REQUEST HAS BEEN RECEIVED

October 13, 2026

KOLKATA, OCTOBER 13: Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand has said the police have received no official intimation regarding a proposed Trinamool Congress (TMC) protest march against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stressing that organisers must follow the prescribed procedure to obtain permission.

The proposed march, planned from Rajabazar to Park Circus, was announced by the student and youth wings of the Mamata Banerjee-led party. TMC spokesperson and MLA Kunal Ghosh had said he intended to participate, although he was uncertain whether Banerjee herself would be able to attend because of her engagements in Delhi.

Speaking to reporters at the police headquarters in Lalbazar on Tuesday, Nand said the police could not make arrangements on the basis of posters or social media announcements. Organisers must submit a written application detailing the proposed route, expected turnout and logistical requirements before the authorities can consider the request.

The commissioner also highlighted potential traffic disruptions, noting that a large procession through busy parts of the city would require advance coordination with law-enforcement authorities.

Ghosh had earlier expressed uncertainty about whether the party would receive police permission. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari took a swipe at the proposed demonstration, commenting that the organisers had chosen a “very good location” for the march.

The proposed rally comes amid heightened political tensions over the SIR exercise and the Opposition’s allegations concerning electoral-roll irregularities. Kolkata Police’s position makes clear that the proposed demonstration cannot be treated as formally notified until the organisers complete the prescribed application process.