PRIME Minister Narendra Modi visited West Bengal to address a BJP rally in Midnapore town. The rally was designated as Kisan Kalyan Sabha. As a protest to Modi government’s anti-farmer policies and false promises, AIKS and other mass organisations staged street protests on two days. Before Modi arrived in the state, effigies were burnt, street corner meetings were held throughout the state. On July 16, Modi came to Midnapore. His route was not publicly declared fearing protests. In spite of that, a group of SFI-DYFI activists rushed to the streets and showed black flags to him while he entered Midnapore town. They also raised “Go Back Modi” slogan. Police charged batons to disperse them. It was a surprise even for the police forces. In West Midnapore district itself, protests were organised in 50 places.

On the same day, numerous protests took place at the call of CPI(M) and Left organisations throughout the state.  In many places, processions were organised to voice protest. In some of these processions, participants tied black ribbons on their face.

Modi’s public meeting witnessed a major accident when an erected pandal collapsed causing injuries to 90 people. Many of them were admitted to the hospital. Though it was a BJP meeting, CPI(M) leaders and activists went to hospitals and helped the victims.