Hooghly, April 22 -- West Bengal Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar on Wednesday alleged that permission was denied for rallies of Rahul Gandhi in parts of the state, including Serampore.

Speaking to ANI, Sarkar claimed that the move reflected fear of the Congress leader's growing influence.

"Andhi aur toofan mein, Rahul Gandhi hamesha maidan mein (In storms and hurricanes, Rahul Gandhi is always on the field). They are so afraid of Rahul Gandhi & Congress that they stopped his public meeting in Serampore, Kolkata. No one can stop Rahul Gandhi from coming here", he said.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's scheduled visit to Kolkata on April 23 has been cancelled after the local administration allegedly denied permission for the eve...