Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee is sitting on a dharna alone in the heart of the city, in front of Gandhi statue. She is reportedly protesting the decision of the Election Commission to ban her from campaigning for 24 hours.
Banerjee arrived at Mayo road here around 11.40 am and began her sit-in next to a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the venue. To pass her time during the protest, Mamata went on a painting spree. When approached, a senior TMC leader said that Mamata is sitting there alone and no party leader is allowed near the site of the protest.
The Election Commission has barred Banerjee from campaigning for 24 hours from Monday 8 pm till Tuesday 8 pm for her remarks against central forces and a statement which had alleged religious overtones.
Lashing out at the poll panel, Banerjee had said on Twitter that she would hold a protest against the poll panel’s “unconstitutional and undemocratic” decision.
The TMC supremo is scheduled to address two rallies after 8 pm on Tuesday – one at Barasat and the other at Bidhanangar.