BJP bike rallies stopped by police in West Bengal

Kolkata: Police lathicharged and detained BJP activists participating in 'Vijay Sankalp' bike rallies in several districts of West Bengal on Sunday.

Launched by BJP president Amit Shah on Friday, the bike rallies are part of the party's nationwide outreach campaign, ahead of elections.

The rallies have been denied permission by the West Bengal government citing board examinations and traffic issues, a senior Kolkata police officer said. 

In Kolkata, police intercepted rallies on Central Avenue, Jorabagan, Kakurgachi and other important points, while disruptions were reported from North 24 Parganas, Howrah, West Burdwan and West Medinipur districts.

In West Medinipur's Goaltore area, BJP activists tried to break police barricades, leading to lathicharge and scuffle, leaving several people injured. 

"We have detained eight BJP workers," an officer of Goaltore police station said.

In Durgapur, the activists scuffled with the police, following which Rapid Action Force (RAF) was called in.

State BJP President Dilip Ghosh said around 100 such rallies were being organised in Bengal.

"I have flagged off a rally in Durgapur. Workers are being arrested and such arrests will take place everywhere. But we will be successful," he said.