Badkulla, June 9: A heavy spell of rain coupled with thunderstorms disrupted Trinamul’s mass outreach programme Jono Sanjog Yatra on Friday afternoon in Nadia eventually leading to the cancellation of at least two public rallies of party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in the district.
Two decoration workers were injured in Badkulla as a broken piece of the iron angle of the makeshift tent erected at the Badkulla venue – Anami club ground fell on the head of one worker. At the same time, another one suffered an electric shock during the thunderstorm that also uprooted an electric post and a number of gates erected by the party to welcome the leader.
One of the decorator workers identified as Suman Hembram, who suffered head injuries was admitted to Badhkulla rural hospital.
On May 16, in a similar incident, Abhishek’s two public meetings were also canceled in Ausghram and Mangalkot in the East Burdwan district due to heavy rain and gusty wind.
On Friday, the Jono Sanjog Yatra that began on April 25 completed the 4000 km mark. Abhishek twitted the achievement expressing his gratitude for the support of the people. “It fills my heart with profound gratitude as I recall the invaluable experiences and the unwavering support of the people…Together we are a force to reckon with”, he said in the twit.
Abhishek Banerjee, who began his journey for the Badkulla meeting from Debagram early in the afternoon following a road show, had to suspend movement of his convoy for about one hour on NH12 near Nakashipara, in the wake of the thunderstorm. The Badkulla rally scheduled for 2 pm was cancelled at about 3.30 pm since the thunderstorm unsettled the arrangements, disrupted power service, and unleashed panic among the public.
Senior party leader Rajib Banerjee announced the cancellation of the programme. Speaking to The NfN said, “The situation is beyond our control due to the sudden weather problem. The thunderstorm otherwise brought a respite to the people amid scorching heat but spoiled our arrangements. People become panicked and two persons were already injured and the power service was discontinued. So as per the advice of our leader, we have been compelled to cancel the public meeting”.
Abhishek Banerjee, however, disembarked from his car while crossing the area at 4.45 pm, and walked about 500 meters to interact with people amid rain.
The next rally scheduled in Chakdaha at 4 pm was also cancelled due to heavy rain that waterlogged the venue – Pragati Sangha ground, adjacent to the NH12. He, however, took a halt to interact with the party supporters for a few minutes before moving towards Soguna via Birohi, for the night halt. Amid the heavy rain, he also walked around 1 km while interacting with the party supporters who were waiting for a long despite the bad weather.