Kolkata/IBNS, June 30 -- Kolkata Police have refused permission to both factions of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to organise separate July 21 Martyrs' Day programmes at Esplanade (Dharmatala), citing concerns over traffic disruption and public inconvenience in one of the city's busiest commercial areas.

The decision comes after both the Kalighat faction led by Mamata Banerjee and the rival Ritabrata Banerjee faction sought permission to hold separate events in front of Victoria House on July 21, a date that has remained central to the party's political calendar for more than three decades.

Police cite traffic and public convenience

Officials at Kolkata Police headquarters stated that political gatherings blocking roads at Esplanade wou...