In a politically significant moment for West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to deliver a powerful address at the Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21, 2025, marking the final observance of the event before the crucial 2026 Assembly elections. The rally, which will take place at the iconic Esplanade crossing in Kolkata, is expected to be more than a tribute to the 13 youth killed in police firing in 1993—it will be the launchpad for Trinamool Congress's election campaign.

This year, the rally will highlight Bengali identity, accuse the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of targeting Bengali-speaking migrants in states like Assam, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, and call for a renewed mandate to protect regional pride and culture.

Martyrs’ Day: A Historical and Political Symbol

Martyrs’ Day, observed annually on July 21, commemorates the death of 13 Youth Congress activists who were shot by the police during a protest in 1993 under the Left Front government. Over the years, it has evolved from a day of remembrance into a political show of strength for Mamata Banerjee and her party.

This year, the rally gains greater prominence as it will be the last such gathering before the 2026 Assembly elections, which will decide whether Mamata Banerjee secures a fourth consecutive term.

Thousands of Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and supporters are expected to descend upon the state capital from all 23 districts. Buses, trains, and private vehicles have been booked in advance to transport attendees, reflecting the logistical scale and political urgency of the event.

Mamata Banerjee’s Strategic Narrative: Bengali Pride vs BJP

The central theme of this year's rally is expected to revolve around “Bengali pride and identity”. Mamata Banerjee and other senior leaders are likely to frame the upcoming elections as a battle between regional pride and external aggression, especially in light of recent incidents involving Bengali-speaking migrant workers in BJP-ruled states.

According to TMC leaders, there has been a spike in attacks, discrimination, and police harassment of Bengali migrants working in states like Haryana, Gujarat, and Assam, which the party alleges are being ignored or encouraged by BJP administrations.

The rally is expected to bring these issues to the forefront, with Mamata Banerjee asserting that only the TMC can defend Bengali culture, language, and identity in the face of rising nationalism and centralisation.

Mobilising the Cadre: Preparing for 2026

This Martyrs’ Day rally will serve a dual purpose—commemoration and mobilisation. Mamata Banerjee is expected to unveil strategic messages and slogans that will define the TMC campaign leading into 2026.

Party insiders suggest that key topics to be discussed include:

• Strengthening grassroots committees in rural Bengal

• Countering the BJP’s alleged “divisive politics”

• Protecting minorities and linguistic communities

• Addressing economic and employment concerns in post-pandemic Bengal

• Reasserting federal rights and resisting what TMC calls the “dictates of Delhi”

The Trinamool Youth Congress, Mahila Wing, and the students' union have been activated across districts to ensure wide participation and generate local-level discussions following the rally.

The BJP-TMC Faceoff: Identity Politics in Focus

The political atmosphere in West Bengal is already heating up, with both TMC and BJP preparing for an intense electoral battle in 2026. While the BJP has recently attempted to broaden its appeal in the state by raising issues like corruption, nepotism, and poor governance, Mamata Banerjee is countering with a narrative rooted in regional sentiment and identity.

By focusing on attacks on Bengali-speaking individuals outside West Bengal, the TMC is attempting to paint the BJP as an anti-Bengali party, aiming to consolidate voters across linguistic, religious, and class lines.

At the same time, Mamata Banerjee will likely project herself as the only credible national voice from Bengal, contrasting herself with other regional leaders who she accuses of compromising with the Centre.

Esplanade Rally Logistics and Security Measures

Given the political sensitivity and scale of the Martyrs’ Day rally, Kolkata Police has put in place extensive security arrangements, including:

• Drone surveillance

• Deployment of Rapid Action Force (RAF)

• Emergency medical stations

• Traffic diversions and route restrictions

Over 4,000 police personnel are expected to be on duty. The administration has also coordinated with the TMC organising committee to ensure smooth crowd control and adherence to safety protocols.

The stage will be erected near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, with massive LED screens set up at multiple junctions to accommodate overflow crowds.

The Message to the People

Mamata Banerjee is expected to address the following key points in her speech:

• Condemnation of alleged anti-Bengali sentiment in BJP-ruled states

• The need to protect the Bengali language, culture, and economy

• A call to action for youth and women to lead the grassroots campaign

• A clear attack on central policies, including those affecting federalism, education, and employment

• Renewal of her commitment to welfare schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar, Swasthya Sathi, and student scholarships

National Political Context

The rally also carries implications for national politics. With Mamata Banerjee playing a prominent role in opposition alliances, including the INDIA bloc, this rally could serve as a platform to:

• Critique the Narendra Modi government’s centralising tendencies

• Emphasise opposition unity and the need for regional parties to stand together

• Reaffirm Bengal’s role in shaping national discourse

Some political analysts believe Mamata may also use the opportunity to send a message to allies, underlining that regional aspirations should be respected in national coalitions.

Conclusion

This Martyrs’ Day is not just a symbolic observance but a launchpad for TMC’s campaign ahead of one of the most closely watched Assembly elections in India. With Mamata Banerjee taking centre stage, the rally is expected to set the political tone, not only for West Bengal but also for regional politics across India.

As the countdown to 2026 begins, the narrative of “Bengali identity vs Central dominance” could be the cornerstone of Mamata’s strategy. Whether this will resonate with voters once again remains to be seen—but July 21 will mark the beginning of that journey.

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