The mass rally, which was underway at Esplanade against alleged CPM-backed violence across the state, was called off midway as news broke about the minister’s death.

“We decided to suspend our political programmes since one of the ministers in the state has passed away. Even when Jyoti Basu died, our leader Mamata Banerjee had called for a three-day national mourning and cancelled all party programmes,” said Subrata Bakshi, senior Trinamool leader.

According to Trinamool sources, Banerjee was about to leave home for the rally when the news of the CPM minister’s death came. She immediately cancelled her rally. Party leaders were already on the stage giving fiery orations against the state government. However, the programme was immediately stopped. Leaders on the stage made a formal announcement declaring the reason.