On Thursday, CPM leader Mohammad Salim urged the residents of the state to protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to Kolkata on March 1 for a public meeting. Speaking at the state CPM headquarters, Salim stated, “The youth and students’ wings of our party will take to the streets on March 1 to oppose the presence of the Union home minister here. All democratic individuals should also participate in this protest. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited last month, people displayed black flags and chanted ‘go back’ slogans. Similar demonstrations will occur this time as well.” Salim also expressed condemnation for the violence in Delhi, which has resulted in 37 deaths and over 200 injuries.

Shah is slated to conduct a public meeting at Shahid Minar Ground in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act on March 1. The CPM leader criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not denouncing the violence in Delhi and for permitting Shah’s rally.

“Banerjee, before her visit to Bhubaneswar, granted permission for Shah’s rally. If she was willing to permit Shah’s rally in Kolkata, why did the administration delay in granting permission? We, the Left, are restricted from holding meetings and rallies here, so how did she authorize Shah’s rally? Why is she silent on the violence in Delhi? Instead of condemning the incident, she plans to meet with Shah tomorrow. This is unfortunate,” remarked Salim.

Banerjee is set to attend a meeting called by the Union home minister in Bhubaneswar on Friday, focusing on the country’s internal security.