Kolkata, April 22 -- In a significant development ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has denied permission for a proposed rally by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhawanipore, triggering a sharp reaction from the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The decision comes just days before the first phase of polling scheduled for April 23, with Bhawanipore among the constituencies going to vote.

Reacting to the development, Banerjee questioned the ECI's decision, stating that as a sitting Chief Minister, she was denied permission to hold a rally in her own constituency.

"How can the EC deny me permission in my own constituency? There are no other rallies scheduled there," Banerjee said, alleging discr...