Locations Affected: Kolkata, India

What: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has announced a protest rally against the Central government at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on 10 March. The rally titled ‘Jana Garjan Sabha’ will be addressed by various TMC leaders, including CM Mamata Banerjee and TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

Why: The protest is organized by TMC to bring back focus on the Centre’s alleged non-payment of dues to West Bengal and alleged discrimination against the state’s social welfare projects.

So What:

• The rally is expected to be attended in large numbers, with the TMC planning a mass gathering of people from all districts in West Bengal.
• Heightened security measures and traffic disruptions are anticipated near the Brigade Parade Ground, important government buildings, and key intersections in Kolkata.
• Political tensions between the TMC and the BJP are likely to persist in West Bengal. The unrest in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, has endured for a month, characterized by protests against local TMC leader Sheikh Shajahan and his supporters. The demonstrations are fuelled by allegations of land grabbing and sexual abuse of local women attributed to them. Tensions between the two parties have escalated further following the Sandeshkhali incident.
• Protests by TMC and BJP members leading up to the rally on 10 March cannot be ruled out.

Outlook: The rally scheduled for 10 March is anticipated to lead to localized disruptions. The ongoing tensions in Sandeshkali, coupled with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state expected in May, are likely to add complexity to the prevailing situation. Organizations are advised to stay informed about traffic and security measures announced by authorities and to formulate suitable contingency plans in preparation for potential developments.

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