BJP mulls alternative ways to hold rallies after state refuses to change stand

Kolkata: BJP seems to have backtracked from its earlier position of holding the 'Ganatantra Bachao Rath Yatra' in the state, after the Bengal government repeatedly denied permission to hold such a rally citing law and order issues which are expected to be caused by their party workers.

Senior BJP leaders in the state are contemplating an alternative way of holding rallies in the state. The state BJP had suffered a major setback after the Calcutta High Court denied permission for holding Rath Yatra in Cooch Behar a few days ago. Top BJP leaders from the state are expected to fly to Delhi on Tuesday, chalking out plans about the future course of action in this regard. The state BJP again moved the court recently after the state government categorically stated that it would not allow the Rath Yatra to take place for various reasons which might trigger violence. They cited intelligence reports of possible communal violence in the areas it would pass through.

The state government had received intelligence reports hinting that BJP and its various affiliated organisations may actively join the Rath Yatra in several districts, with an overtly communal agenda. Therefore, there is an apprehension of violence.