After Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi, former State Chief Minister and senior tribal leader Arjun Munda was denied permission to hold meeting by the Mamata Bannerjee Government in West Bengal.
The three times former Chief Minister and member of the 15-member BJP election manifesto committee, Arjun Munda, who was scheduled to attend a rally at Bishnupur in Bankura district of Bengal, around 170 km from Jamshedpur at around 2 pm today, had to return from Bandwan in Purulia district after being informed around 11:15 am by party members about decision of the Bankura district administration.
“I was scheduled to go to Bishnupur to attend a rally and also hold meeting with BJP supporters and had crossed Katin in Patamda block (in East Singhbhum) district and reached Bandwan when party leaders phoned me up and informed about denial of permission by the district administration,” said Munda, while addressing a press meet at Dimna here.
Attacking the Bengal CM, Munda said that Bengal Government working style is a threat for democracy in the country and a desperate attempt to curb the rising popularity of the BJP in Bengal.
It is only creating tension and fear amongst the people and the electorate would give a befitting reply in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls.
“It is really surprising that leaders of political parties are being denied the right to hold meeting and rallies during election time.
It is unprecedented and can be termed as an attempt to demean democracy and the worst scenario witnessed anywhere in the country. I will definitely go at a later date and attend party members,” said Munda. The BJP leader said that he would be sending a detailed report to the party high command.
Munda has served as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the maximum time and is one of the stalwart leaders of the BJP. He had turned star campaigner for the candidates in fray for Chhattisgarh elections.
In his own style, he talks to the voters in their local language. His reach has expanded.
"He is not only famous in our State but people especially Bengali speaking community in neighbouring states like West Bengal also reveres him.
He has turned into a star campaigner. He has devoted his time for campaigning for the party," said a close aide.