The Congress rally is meant to mark the 69th anniversary of the Quit India movement. Tamluk, the headquarters of the East Midnapore, had established Independence during the British rule and set up Tamralipta government.

Since the rally at Lalgarh is under the “apolitical banner” of Santrash Virodhi Committee, the state Congress leadership had sent feelers to the Trinamool, saying they are keen to join if the TMC invites them. The Trinamool, however, insisted that there is no question for separately inviting the Congress.

Party chief Mamata Banerjee, however, invited K Keshav Rao, Congress in-charge of West Bengal, to join. But since the rally has drawn support from a section of pro-Maoist outfits like the PCAPA and the Trinamool chief had been vocal about withdrawal Central forces from the area, Congress decided to give the rally a miss.

Rao will join the Congress rally at Tamluk.

“All top functionaries of state Congress, including state party chief Manas Bhuniya and K Keshav Rao will be present at the rally,” said party spokesperson Sukhendu Sekhar Roy.