With the Assembly election schedule yet to be announced, the Bharatiya Janata Party has intensified its campaign preparations across West Bengal. The party’s statewide ‘Paribartan Rath Yatra’ will formally gain momentum with a major public rally addressed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Mathurapur, South 24 Parganas, on Monday.
Party leaders said the yatra will begin across the state from March 1 and conclude with a mega rally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on March 18.
Heavy preparations were visible at the Mathurapur rally venue on Sunday. The stage construction is underway under the supervision of central agencies and state police. Senior officers from the state and district police visited the venue and surrounding areas to review security arrangements.
Officials took stock of security protocols for the Home Minister’s movement and inspected arrangements, including verification of front-row attendees. Multiple security layers have been created at entry and exit points, with separate parking zones and traffic control measures in place.
Police sources said surveillance around the venue has been intensified and additional forces will be deployed if required.
The rally assumes added political significance as it comes hours after the publication of the final voter list under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Since Saturday, reports of protests and road blockades have emerged from several parts of the state, particularly in areas where names were allegedly omitted from the electoral roll.
Against this backdrop, Shah’s rally in South 24 Parganas is being closely watched.
The BJP’s Mathurapur organisational district leadership has claimed that around two lakh people are expected to attend the rally. The party has launched an extensive outreach drive, including door-to-door campaigns, wall paintings and public announcements through miking.
Palash Rana, convener of the BJP’s Mathurapur organisational district, said, “Around two lakh people will be present at this meeting. We are optimistic about that. Party workers and supporters are very excited and are working towards a large gathering.”
As political activities gather pace ahead of the polls, all eyes will now be on Mathurapur, where the BJP seeks to signal the start of its election campaign with a show of strength.
Also read: Zero new voters in 99 WB seats after revision, questions raised
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