Nitin Gadkari denied permission to hold rally in Malda

Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, was denied permission on Wednesday to hold a rally in the riot-hit Kaliachak in Malda, West Bengal on January 18. Three other BJP members were earlier denied permission to enter the town.

The local district administration claims that a law and order trouble is the reason behind putting a hold on the Minister’s visit. Interestingly, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banarjee is expected to hold a rally in Malda on January 21.

Though the dates have not been confirmed, it is reported that the BJP will hold its rally in South Dinajpur instead of Malda.

West Bengal government is now facing flak for refusing other parties to visit the district. Apart from the three BJP leaders CPM leader Mohammed Salim was also denied permission to enter the violence-hit district.

Tension erupted in the district as Muslim groups took out rallies in protest to against the hate speech given by Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha leader Kamlesh Tiwari.

Police officials, however, claim that the violence was carried out to terrorise the local administration.