Amit Malviya, central observer for West Bengal, and chief of BJP's Information Technology cell, launched a full-throttled attack on the Mamata Banerjee government over the cancellation of the Durand Cup football match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal FC. Though it was scheduled to take place on August 18, authorities called the match off amid apprehensions that it could merge with the protests over the rape and murder of a woman doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata.
Malviya, in a statement posted on his official X handle, accused the Mamata government of failing to manage the law and order situation. "In an unprecedented move, Mamata Banerjee's Police has cancelled Kolkata's most awaited football match, the East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan derby, scheduled for 18th Aug. The tickets were all sold out. REASON GIVEN: inability to provide security for the game," he said.
Malviya said the reason cited by the state administration for cancellation due to a security issue did not hold any ground. "It speaks volumes about the condition of law and order in West Bengal, under Mamata Banerjee, if they are unable to provide security to about 60,000 people, let alone State's 10 crore population," Malviya said.
He further alleged that the actual reason behind the cancellation was the impending protest by the Mohun Bagan and East Bengal supporters who will demand justice for the rape and murder victim. "The game was cancelled fearing this kind of mass protest," the post by Malviya read.
The announcement of cancellation came in the evening, and some TMC leaders were Harried as it may affect public sentiments amidst the growing resentments over the incident. This section of ruling party also feared that opposition – mainly CPI(M) and BJP – would use the situation to build up the matter further.
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