As the government and the Opposition continue their spat over the tax, Banerjee, at a media conference on Saturday declared that her party is calling on all to boycott it.

The pilgrims heading for the mela, which begins from January 14, are supposed to pay Rs 5 as tirtha kar.

Earlier, the District Magistrate said the tax will be charged as usual. The Trinamool Congress-ruled Zilla Parishad of South 24-Paraganas had demanded an abolition of the policy. The administration argued that it would not be possible to abolish the tax as it required an amendment of a law.

“I just received a fax from the Zilla Parishad and understand that the government has agreed to subsidise the vessel and bus fares. It is good news and it has happened due to our agitation. The tirtha kar issue, however, has not been addressed and we call on everyone to boycott the tax,” said Banerjee.

She declared that her party will hold a rally from Mominpur to Kidderpore tomorrow on the issue of the state not taking any action against those who were guilty for selling spurious liquor which claimed 29 lives. She claimed that an organisation has been distributing pamphlets which allegedly contained some derogatory remarks against Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. She said it might lead to communal tension and the Trinamool has filed an FIR with the Park Street police station against it.