NCP-SP Questions BJP’s Premature ‘Victory Rally’ in Mumbai

Mumbai: NCP-SP spokesperson Anish Gawande has raised concerns over the BJP’s proposed “Victory Rally” in Mumbai on Monday, May 4. Gawande questions the timing, permissions, and route of the rally, which is set to celebrate an election result in West Bengal before counting has formally begun.

Reacting to an invitation allegedly circulated by the BJP’s Maharashtra Bengali Cell, Gawande took to social media to voice his doubts. “Wow. BJP Maharashtra having a victory rally in Mumbai on Monday to ‘celebrate’ an election result in West Bengal. How are they confident of winning even before counting begins?” Gawande asked.

He further tagged the Mumbai Police and Mumbai Traffic Police, seeking clarity on whether the necessary permissions had been secured for the rally. Gawande also inquired about the approved route and whether the High Court’s restrictions on processions, including those linked to Azad Maidan, would apply in this case. He drew a parallel with the Nari Shakti Vandanam Jan Akrosh that took place at Worli two weeks back.

“Have permissions been secured for this rally? What is the route for this rally, Mumbai Police, Mumbai Traffic Police? Doesn’t the High Court order on processions being restricted to Azad Maidan apply here? Or do we want a repeat of Nari Shakti Vandanam Jan Akrosh drama in Nariman Point?” Gawande said.

In his tweet, Gawande shared an email issued by Sri Subhagata Das, Honorary Chairman of the All Maharashtra Bengali Cell. The email states that a “Victory Rally” has been organized on Monday, May 4, at 12:30 pm at the BJP office in Nariman Point to celebrate the “expected success” in the West Bengal Assembly Election.

According to the invitation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is expected to address the gathering. Members were invited to attend the event and be part of the occasion. The invitation also made a special request to the party’s Ladies Wing to participate in traditional Bengali attire, specifically red-bordered sarees, and perform “Sankha” and “Ulu dhwani” to add cultural grace to the celebration.

The wording of the invitation, particularly the phrase “expected success,” has now triggered political criticism. Gawande’s questioning highlights the premature nature of the rally and the potential legal and logistical issues surrounding it.