Kolkata, May 9 -- Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday paid tribute to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on the occasion of Rabindra Jayanti by garlanding his portrait at her residence, while also alleging restrictions on public celebrations of the cultural event.

Banerjee said permission had been sought to organise Rabindra Jayanti programmes at multiple locations, but it was denied, forcing her to hold the observance at her residence.

"Permission was sought for Rabindra Jayanti celebrations at 3 places. It was denied. So, I decided to continue it here at my residence. They asked all decorators not to provide any help...I appeal to all like-minded parties to stop the BJP," she said.

Pochishe Boishakh, observe...