Jhargram rally: Mamata chooses small venue for big effect

The government had withdrawn Section 144 all the three districts of Bankura,West Midnapore and Purulia,only for tomorrow’s rally.

The local Trinamool,however,decided on a smaller venue as they are apprehensive about filling it up with their supporters in view of the Maoist diktat banning local people from attending the rally. Anti-Banerjee posters have been pasted all over the walls in Jhargram a day before the rally. The posters condemn the Trinamool chief for her alleged false concerns about tribal development and accuses her of trying to stop the tribal agitation. One of the posters say: “Those who have insulted Chhatradhar Mahato have no place in the heart of the tribals”.

“The Maoists are trying to stop people from coming to the rally. How can this happen in a democratic country. We have reports that activists of the People’s Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) are threatening our supporters,” said Suvendu Adhikary,Trinamool MP and its youth wing president. He has been entrusted to oversee preparations for the rally by the party chief. “However we are trying to convince people that they should not be afraid and attend the rally,” he added.

In the last four days Mamata has sent two Union ministers,Mukul Roy and Sisir Adhikary,and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Partha Chatterjee,apart from Suvendu Adhikary,to gauge sentiments of the locals and make preparations for the rally. “We are finding it very difficult to gather supporters. People are frightened of the Maoists. With the Maoists training gun at us,we feel helpless,” said a local party leader.

“We are trying our best to make the rally a success,” said Gouranga Pradhan,Trinamool district secretary,West Midnapore.

Party leaders,meanwhile,had already apprehended such a situation. They,therefore,chose the smallest ground among the four venues in Jhargram where mass rallies are usually held. The municipality ground,where the rally will be held tomorrow,can accommodate 10,000 people.

“We were instructed by the state leadership to select a small ground so that it looks filled with people to avoid a major embarrassment,” said a local Trinamool leader.

Meanwhile,amid tight security arrangements,a podium was being constructed at the rally ground. Central forces have been posted all around the area. No one is being allowed to enter without valid identity proof.

Asit Mahato,spokesperson for PCAPA,meanwhile,said: “People here are not with the Trinamool,they know Banerjee’s true colours. Tomorrow,she will address her own leaders in Jhargram. Choosing a small ground won’t help.”