Priyanka, Rahul ‘bandh’ in Kolkata

Several other celebrities, those overtly bothered with security, also cooled their heels in hotel rooms though the word given out by the police was that they had stayed behind as a matter of choice rather than necessity. Normal life too was quite upset with the bandh, which was curtailed to 10 hours by the Trinamool chief. However, flights left and arrived on time but other modes of transport like road and trains were severely affected. The state government also decided to run fewer buses.

At the reception of the hotel where the Gandhis were staying, curiosity was met by bland replies. Sources in politics were also not aware what they had done during the day. State Congress leaders also said they had specific instruction not to disturb the family since they were on a personal visit. However, a week from now -- on April 28 -- AICC president Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to visit the state to kickstart her party's prospects in the coming panchayat elections.

The Gandhis, who had come to the city late on Saturday for the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and the Deccan Chargers, could finally leave the city on Monday evening. Police officers said they were deliberately made to leave in the evening because the force did not want the family to get stuck in any pro-bandh protests on their way to the airport.

Officially however, both the Kolkata and the Bengal police held a straight face before queries. Inspector General (Law and Order) Raj Kanojia said: "Both Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi were scheduled to leave in the evening. All police arrangements were in place if they had wanted to leave in the morning." Commissioner of Police Gautam Mohan Chakraborty said: "I have no idea why they stayed back. It must have been a personal decision." Congress leader Pradeep Bhattacharya offered: "Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told us they were on a personal visit and would not like to meet party workers."