Mamata Criticizes Army for Dismantling TMC Stage in Kolkata

Quick Summary

• On September 1, 2025, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata banerjee criticized Indian Army personnel for dismantling a Trinamool Congress (TMC) stage at Mayo Road in Kolkata.
• The stage was set up by the TMC to protest against alleged targeting of Bengali-speaking migrants across India.
• According to the Union Ministry of Defense (MoD), reminders had been sent for the removal of the temporary structure, wich exceeded its granted two-day permission and had remained for almost a month.
• The Indian Army’s Eastern Command is responsible for managing land in the Maidan area and requires permissions from organizers for events exceeding three days.
• Mamata banerjee accused BJP of misusing the Indian Army but clarified she was not blaming the military personnel directly. She deemed it “dirty politics.”
• The TMC has decided to shift its protest venue from Mayo Road to Rani Rashmoni Road following this incident.
• Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of opposition in West Bengal State Assembly, accused Banerjee and TMC of disrespecting public rules and dishonoring India’s Army by occupying land illegally.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The dismantling of a political protest stage by Indian Army personnel raises questions about adherence to administrative protocols versus political sensitivities. While permissions were reportedly exceeded by TMC organizers according to official statements from MoD, such actions can lead to claims about political interference when associated with sensitive issues like protests concerning ethnic identity. Accusations exchanged between political leaders-the CM alleging misuse by BJP versus opposition claims on illegal occupation-highlight ongoing partisan disputes.At stake here is maintaining civil order while respecting democratic rights like peaceful protests. However, this incident underscores how procedural requirements were overlooked or possibly politicized. Moving forward, more transparent communication between state officials and federal bodies may be pivotal in avoiding similar instances that perhaps strain institutional harmony or give rise to public controversies surrounding critical entities like India’s armed forces.

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