Nadda set to launch BJP's Rath Yatra in Bengal, confusion prevails over permission

JP president JP Nadda is set to launch the party's "Rath Yatra" in West Bengal on Saturday to mobilise public support ahead of the assembly elections but confusion prevails over grant of permission for the march during which party leaders intend to crisscross the state.

Nadda is scheduled to kick off the "Parivartan Yatra" from Nabadwip, the birthplace of 15th century saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Nadia district. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also likely to inaugurate two of the five proposed yatras later this month.

However, confusion prevailed till Friday evening over its prospects as Nadia district administration is yet to accord permission for the Rath Yatra.

Although the BJP claimed it has received permission, the district police insisted it is for a public meeting and not the Rath Yatra.

"We have provided no objection for the public rally of JP Nadda. But no permission has been given for the so-called Rath Yatra as the matter is sub-judice," a senior police official said.