Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit West Bengal on March 7 to address a rally at Barasat in North 24 Parganas district, as announced by West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday. The decision to hold the rally at Barasat instead of Sandeshkhali, where it was initially planned, was made in anticipation of potential hurdles from the state administration and the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Majumdar, speaking from New Delhi where he is attending the party’s National Convention, stated that the rally will be crucial as the Prime Minister is expected to address the recent incidents of protest by local women at Sandeshkhali. The protection of the women of Sandeshkhali will be a key focus of the Prime Minister’s visit, according to Majumdar.
The announcement of the Prime Minister’s visit comes in the wake of reports of sexual harassment against local women at Sandeshkhali, which has deeply affected not only the women in the area but also the common women throughout the state, as described by Majumdar. The withdrawal of Section 144 from four out of the 19 places at Sandeshkhali was also announced by North 24 Parganas on Sunday evening, although restrictions will continue in the remaining 15 places for some time.
The trouble-hit Sandeshkhali falls in North 24 Parganas district and the decision to move the rally to Barasat reflects the concerns of the state BJP unit, anticipating potential obstacles from the state administration and the ruling Trinamool Congress. The rally at Barasat is expected to address the issues faced by the women of Sandeshkhali and will be closely watched as the Prime Minister’s visit to the state.
