West Bengal's political landscape witnessed another dramatic chapter on Martyrs' Day as Mamata Banerjee issued a stern warning to party leaders and workers against joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), declaring that anyone leaving for the BJP would not be welcomed back into her faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The annual political observance assumed greater significance this year as it marked the first Martyrs' Day since the BJP formed the government in West Bengal, amid a deeply altered political landscape following the split in the Trinamool Congress.

Mamata Sends Strong Message to Party Workers

Addressing a large gathering, Mamata Banerjee urged party leaders to remain loyal during challenging political times. She warned that those switching allegiance to the BJP should not expect to return to her party in the future.

The remarks were seen as a direct attempt to prevent further defections amid heightened political competition in the state.

The rally witnessed a massive turnout of supporters despite restrictions imposed on attendance, with party workers gathering to reaffirm support for Mamata's leadership.

Split TMC Holds Separate Martyrs' Day Rallies

For the first time, both factions of the Trinamool Congress observed Martyrs' Day separately following the party's split.

The Mamata Banerjee-led faction organised its rally near Birla Planetarium in Kolkata's Nandan area, while the faction led by Leader of the Opposition Ritobrato Banerjee held its programme on Mayo Road near the Gandhi statue.

Meanwhile, the Congress also organised its own Martyrs' Day programme at Shahid Minar, making the day one of the busiest political events in the state.

High Court Alters Traditional Venue

Unlike previous years, the traditional venue at Dorina Crossing in Esplanade was not used for the event.

Following directions from the Calcutta High Court, separate locations were allocated for the rival Trinamool factions to maintain law and order.

The court also imposed attendance limits, permitting a maximum of 2,500 participants at the Mamata Banerjee-led rally and 750 participants at the Ritobrato Banerjee faction's gathering.

Authorities deployed security personnel across central Kolkata to ensure peaceful conduct of all political programmes.

TMC Alleges Stage Vandalism

Ahead of the rally, the Mamata Banerjee faction alleged that the stage prepared for the event was vandalised late Sunday night.

According to senior TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee, around 25 to 30 unidentified motorcycle-borne individuals damaged parts of the stage. The party accused "BJP-backed goons" of carrying out the incident.

Kalyan Banerjee further alleged that despite the High Court's permission for the programme, police personnel were not present near the venue when the alleged vandalism occurred.

Mamata Inspects Venue

After receiving information about the alleged incident, Mamata Banerjee reportedly returned to the rally venue late Sunday night to inspect the stage preparations personally.

The incident added to the already tense political atmosphere surrounding this year's Martyrs' Day observance.

Political Significance

This year's Martyrs' Day carried exceptional political significance due to the changing equations in West Bengal.

The split within the Trinamool Congress, the BJP's rise to power in the state, and the emergence of new political alignments have reshaped Bengal's political landscape.

Political observers believe Mamata Banerjee's remarks against defectors signal an effort to consolidate her support base as the state heads into another phase of intense political competition.

With rival political camps mobilising supporters across Kolkata, Martyrs' Day once again served as a major show of political strength in West Bengal.