TMC observes Martyr's Day in Kolkata, turnout disrupts city traffic

On Friday, Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, witnessed an immense influx of workers arriving to commemorate the Martyr's Day of Trinamool Congress. The event, held annually in memory of 13 workers who lost their lives in a tragic police firing incident on July 21, 1993, has become a significant political gathering for the party.

Hundreds of Trinamool workers from Howrah, Sealdah, and Kolkata stations embarked on a rally towards Dharmatalla, leading to a standstill in vehicular movement throughout central and north Kolkata. The heavy traffic congestion in the metropolis prompted the closure of several roads. Trinamool Congress claims that approximately 250,000 workers participated in the event, further contributing to the traffic chaos.

The festivities commenced early in the morning, with hundreds of workers arriving at Howrah and Sealdah railway stations via local trains. The party had set up a camp outside the stations to welcome the attendees before escorting them to Dharmatalla, the venue for the conference.

Ever since assuming power in 2011, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been addressing the gathering at Dharmatalla each year, using the platform to announce various political programs throughout the year. The Martyr's Day event holds significant importance in the Trinamool Congress' calendar, serving as the largest program of the year for the party.

While the occasion is a solemn remembrance of the fallen workers, the massive turnout and the ensuing traffic congestion have brought the city to a halt. The Kolkata authorities are working diligently to manage the situation, but the disruption is expected to persist until the conclusion of the Martyr's Day program.