Flagship event, the martyrs’ day of July 21, is expected to multiply in size and fervour this year. After a two-year hiatus—induced by the Covid-19 pandemic—Trinamul has planned a massive show of strength.

The stage erected by the Trinamul Congress at Esplanade in Calcutta for the Martyrs’ Day rally has grown in size. At a height of 22ft, the stage has 80ft in length and 46ft in breadth. Divided in three parts the stage has five entry points. Additionally a separate area in the stage has been earmarked for chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Senior members and leaders of the party, along with several members of the civil society, will be seated in the main stage. Another part of the stage will be occupied by the members of the families of the 13 martyrs. A third part of the stage has been set aside for the party's councilors and other leaders.

Around 500 persons will be able to sit on the stage, which will be kept under close surveillance with multiple CCTV cameras.

Thirty police officers in the rank of deputy commissioners have been tasked to look after the security of the event. 70 assistant commissioners, 750 officers-in charge, 3,000 policemen and about 1,000 traffic police personnel have been deputed. The stage will be equipped with 5 ambulances, 58 QRT vans, 12 PCR vans and 11 HRFS.

Mamata has sought forgiveness from the general public for any inconvenience the event might cause them. “We can’t change the venue because this is where the incident took place. This is where the event has been taking place since the past 30 years. I seek forgiveness from the general people, because there will be crowds and traffic tomorrow (Thursday). Please consider this for one day,” Mamata said, reminding that the event is taking place after a break of two years.

Trinamul, under Mamata’s instruction, had not celebrated its third-straight victory in 2021. The celebrations ought to happen from the July 21 events stage on Thursday.