The government of West Bengal, led by Mamata Banerjee has denied permission for an event in Mahajati Sadan, the century old auditorium. The program was scheduled to be organised on October 3rd, the 150th birth anniversary of Sister Nivedita and Mohan Bhagwat, Sar Sanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was invited to speak on the occasion.
Earlier in January this year, RSS had sought permission of West Bengal government to hold a rally in Brigade Parade Ground. The government had denied permission, post which, RSS had reached out to the high court.
For the event scheduled on October 3rd, Sister Nivedita Mission Trust had asked for permission in July. However, the same was denied by Mahajati Sadan Board, citing the reason as the renovation of the building.
Reacting strongly to the development, West Bengal RSS stated that the government had given permission to Jamaat Party to hold a program opposing Triple Talaq verdict on August 23rd, however, in case of RSS, it denied permission saying that the organisers need to take permission from the police.
Responding to the news, Jyotipriya Mallick, West Bengal minister and chairman of Mahajati Sadan board stated that the government has spent a lot of amount in renovating the premises and it needs to maintain the same. The 10 days period between September 26th to October 6th was chosen as there are fewer bookings in the pooja time. The cancellation of RSS event has no political intention as over 10 programs of TMCP (TMC’s student wing) were also cancelled.