The Calcutta High Court on Thursday approved the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 'Rath Yatra' rally in West Bengal ahead of next year's elections. The state government led by Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress had objected the rally claiming that it would invoke communal violence and disharmony in the state.
The saffron party had challenged the state's denial of permission for the 'Save Democracy' rally. The BJP called the HC verdict as 'victory of democracy'.
The single bench court has set certain rules for the BJP to conduct the rally, mainly to ensure that there is no breach of law and order in the state.
Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty has directed the BJP to inform the respective district administrations at least 12 hours ahead of the schedule, about the places in which the rallies are going to enter.
Justice Chakraborty further said that BJP will be held responsible for any sort of violence, loss or damage and destruction to the property.
The BJP has planned for three rallies in the state, from Kakdwip, in the extreme southern part, Cooch Behar in the northern part of the state and from Tarapith temple in Birbhum district.
The court instructed the BJP that all the rally proceedings should be law-abiding and should not impede the normal vehicular traffic or cause any kind of trouble to the public.
The opposition hopes to expand their network in West Bengal, where the party has failed miserably by covering the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies with their 'Save Democracy' rally.
The HC verdict has got mixed reviews from the people all over the nation. many people are suspecting communal violence in the name of 'Save Democracy' rally in the state.
Social media was stirred with comments on the HC ruling.
Big jolt to #Mamtadidi led @AITCofficial govt in #WestBengal. And, it’s certainly a huge win for @BJP4India - Calcutta High Court gives nods to #BJPs Rath Yatras, which was stopped by #MamataBanerjee government on account of law n order situation!
— Sumit Awasthi (@awasthis) December 20, 2018
Onus of any political death henceforth in #Bengal will be on the Calcutta High Court
— Agnivo Niyogi (অগ্নিভ নিয়োগী) (@Aagan86) December 20, 2018
In a setback to Mamata Banerjee's West Bengal government, the Calcutta High Court allowed the BJP to hold 'rath yatra' rallies in the state.
— Manish ???? (@_Manish_pal) December 20, 2018
Democracy wins in West bengal and very Tight slap on the face of Mamata bano.
BJP to conduct Rath Yatra in WB. Go ahead given by Calcutta High Court.
— Hindu Nationalist ?? (@HinduNational10) December 20, 2018
A big back hand slap across Didis ravaged face. The ugly just got uglier!
