Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to West Bengal for election campaigning has been cancelled after the party failed to secure the required administrative permission for public events.

The visit, planned for April 23, was called off after the party waited until the evening for clearance but did not receive approval in time to make necessary arrangements.

Congress leaders have alleged that the local administration, under the influence of the ruling Trinamool Congress, did not grant permission for the rally. The party claimed that despite waiting until around 6 pm, the approval did not come through, forcing them to cancel the programme.

Trinamool response

The Trinamool Congress rejected the allegations, stating that all political parties must follow established procedures for holding public meetings. A party minister said applications must be submitted through the designated system within a specified time frame before events.

The Trinamool also indicated that the state government is currently in a caretaker role during the election period, suggesting that questions regarding permissions fall under the purview of the Election Commission.

Fresh dates likely

Congress sources said the party is still keen for Rahul Gandhi to campaign in the state and may seek fresh permission for a visit on April 25 or 26.

Political context

The development comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, where multiple parties are campaigning aggressively. The Congress and Trinamool Congress, despite being part of broader opposition alignments at the national level, remain direct rivals in the state.

Recent reports also indicate that permission-related issues have affected campaign events in the state, with some rallies being cancelled due to lack of police clearance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, marking its first anniversary with a strong message against terrorism.

Remembering those who lost their lives, the Prime Minister said the victims “will never be forgotten” and expressed solidarity with their families. He described the attack as a tragedy that continues to weigh on the nation’s conscience.

Reaffirming India’s position, he said the country stands united in both grief and resolve, adding that India will never bow to any form of terror and that the designs of terrorists will not succeed.

The Pahalgam terror attack took place on April 22, 2025, in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed in one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent years.

A reminder of national resolve

The anniversary has been observed as a moment of remembrance and reflection across the country. It highlights both the human cost of terrorism and India’s continued commitment to counter such threats.

Security forces have also reiterated their resolve to ensure justice for the victims and maintain strong vigilance against terrorism.

The Prime Minister’s message underscores a broader policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, reinforcing that acts targeting innocent civilians will not weaken the country’s determination.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge faces criticism after controversial remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, says statement was misinterpreted

A political controversy erupted after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist” during a public address, triggering sharp reactions from the ruling party.

Following the backlash, Kharge issued a clarification, stating that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he did not intend to label the Prime Minister as a terrorist. He instead accused Modi of using threatening language in political discourse.

The comment quickly drew strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with leaders calling the remark inappropriate and accusing the Congress of lowering political discourse. The exchange reflects heightened tensions between the ruling party and the opposition amid the ongoing election season.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also condemned the remark, describing it as “atrocious” and indicative of a new low in political rhetoric.

The incident has further intensified the war of words between the two parties, with both sides trading accusations as campaigning gains momentum.