The rally also caused considerable disruption to commuters, with traffic movement severely affected across central Kolkata on a busy Monday afternoon. The lane of the Park Street flyover towards Dharmatala was temporarily closed, while the road from Dorina Crossing towards Park Street was also blocked. Vehicles coming from Mayo Road were diverted towards Park Street.
The restrictions led to heavy congestion along Mayo Road, Dufferin Road and around Dorina Crossing. Thousands of commuters faced delays as vehicles struggled to navigate the diverted routes. Office-goers, public transport users and other residents were among those inconvenienced by the procession.
Police sources said the roads had been closed temporarily to facilitate the rally and would be reopened shortly.
Shamik Bhattacharya calls for another SIR in Bengal
Meanwhile, Bhattacharya weighed in on the controversy surrounding the SIR. More than 90 lakh names have reportedly been excluded from the rolls, prompting strong objections from Opposition parties. Banerjee has alleged that the exercise was conducted using a flawed methodology.
Bhattacharya sarcastically appeared to agree with Banerjeeโs criticism of the methodology. โThe methodology used for the SIR in Bengal was entirely inappropriate. I agree with Mamata Banerjeeโs concerns,โ he said.
He went on to list several alleged incidents during the revision exercise, including attacks on BDOs, the assault on BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, arson at a BDO office and attacks on BJP workers. He also referred to the alleged forced removal and burning of documents from Paulโs vehicle, the death of an Anganwadi worker and the shooting of an ASHA workerโs husband.
Bhattacharya suggested that the electoral revision had not been completed properly and called for another exercise in the state, saying it could lead to even more names being excluded. โIf another SIR is conducted, at least another 30 lakh names would likely be removed. The SSR here was never completed properly,โ he remarked.
Bhattacharya also reiterated his demand that Gyanesh Kumar be honoured with a Padma Bhushan, a position he has advocated previously. โYet, Gyanesh Kumar is being treated like a hero in this state. The government of India should heed the demands of the people of West Bengal and honour him with a Padma Bhushan,โ he said.
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