Kolkata: On Wednesday, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that the Trinamool Congress will host a 'Nationalist Rally' over two days, May 17 and 18, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. across the state. This event aims to commemorate the achievements of 'Operation Sindoor,' initiated following the Pahalgam terror incident.

The announcement from Banerjee came shortly after Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, revealed that the BJP's state unit would conduct a 'Tiranga Yatra' in Kolkata on May 16. This event is intended to celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor and honor the bravery of the Indian armed forces.

In a press briefing a few hours post-Adhikari's statement, Mamata emphasized that the Trinamool Congress's 'Nationalist Rally' would take place at both rural bloc levels and urban ward levels, aiming to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Indian armed forces and extend condolences to their families.

"This will not be a political event. Instead, it will showcase our social responsibility," the Chief Minister remarked.

Subrata Bakshi, the state president of Trinamool Congress, has already communicated with district leaders to begin preparations for the rally on Saturday and Sunday. He has also urged party members to involve the families of martyrs from their respective areas in the event.

Political analysts suggest that the timing of the 'Nationalist Rally' is a strategic move by the Trinamool Congress to counter the BJP's 'Tiranga Yatra,' ensuring that the saffron party does not capitalize on the prevailing nationalist sentiments surrounding Operation Sindoor, especially with the important West Bengal Assembly elections approaching next year.