Dasmunsi, however, denied the reports and said the final decision will be taken by the Congress high command. She also made it clear the decision to start the rally from Hazra had nothing to do with the fact that the area was Bannerjee’s stronghold.

“This is a peace rally to protest against terrorism. We are a national party and can hold a rally anywhere. Moreover, Congress, Chhatra Parishad, Youth Congress and Seva Dal have presence in south Kolkata,” said Dasmunsi.

Protesting against terror attacks across the country and the recent unrest in Dooars, both Dasmunsi and state Congress working president Pradip Bhattacharya said the party has always raised its voice against terrorism.

On an alliance with the Trinamool for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Dasmunsi said: “The Trinamool did not come to us in the past during the panchayat and the municipal elections or even during the recent elections in the districts. They did not want a coalition. Then why do they want one now?”

“Moreover, unlike the 2001 elections, this time we will not have any coalition where we will be asked to remove our winning candidates to accommodate the other party’s candidates. Such coalitions on the eve of the elections are tough since neither of the parties has worked towards a goal for the rest of the year,” she added.

Dasmunsi to visit PM