The Calcutta High Court has given permission to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold a rally in Burdwan, West Bengal, on February 16, 2025. Earlier, the West Bengal Police had denied permission, citing security and public disturbance concerns. Following this, RSS approached the High Court, which ruled in its favor. According to PTI reports, the court dismissed the Bengal government’s objections and allowed the rally under certain conditions.
Conditions for the Rally
The court stated that the rally should be peaceful and should not create loud noise. The West Bengal Police had denied permission earlier, saying that Class 10 board exams (WBBSE) were ongoing, and loudspeakers were not allowed.
However, the judge noted that:
- The rally will be held on Sunday (a holiday).
- The event will last only 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- There is no major reason to stop it.
The court ordered the rally organizers to keep the noise level low and conduct the event peacefully. After the rally, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat is also expected to meet local RSS leaders, volunteers, and community members.
RSS’s Objective: Promoting Nationalism
The meeting will focus on:
✔ Organizational growth
✔ Community outreach
✔ Strengthening RSS’s connections with local leaders
✔ Encouraging patriotism, self-reliance, and social values
According to RSS General Secretary Jishnu Basu, Mohan Bhagwat’s visit aims to:
- Promote nationalism among the Hindu community
- Encourage Swadeshi (indigenous) awareness
- Support the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)
This decision by the High Court is seen as a setback for the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, which has often clashed with RSS and other right-wing organizations.
