On July 8, 2025, the West Bengal Police denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a procession planned by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Siliguri. The rally, scheduled for July 21, was set to begin from Naukaghat and culminate at Uttarkanya, a key administrative office in North Bengal.
Officials cited patient safety as the primary reason for denying permission, as the route passes by two major hospitals: North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, which handles over 800 emergency cases daily, and Siliguri District Hospital, servicing an average of 1,200 outpatient visits per day.
Stats Highlight Route Sensitivity
According to civic data, the stretch between Naukaghat and Uttarkanya sees frequent ambulance traffic, with an average of 30–40 emergency vehicle movements every 24 hours. Siliguri also reports a seasonal spike in hospital admissions during monsoon months, with a 15–20% rise in dengue and waterborne illnesses.
A police spokesperson confirmed, “Allowing mass political gatherings on this route could delay life-saving medical response and compromise hospital access.”
The West Bengal Police has refused to give NOC for the WB Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha procession rally scheduled for 21st July from Naukaghat to Uttarkanya, stating that there are two hospitals on the said route, which is meant for the movement of patients. pic.twitter.com/enhaFxm5bf
— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2025
BJP Youth Wing Voices Protest
BJYM leaders have expressed frustration, arguing that the rally was aimed at drawing attention to youth employment, education reform, and regional development. According to party organizers, the procession was expected to attract over 5,000 participants, many traveling from Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar districts.
A regional spokesperson stated, “This is not just a political march—it’s a call for better policies for Bengal’s youth. We had made arrangements to keep the rally peaceful and coordinated.”
Despite appeals, no alternate route has been greenlit, and the district administration has advised organizers to file a fresh proposal outside hospital zones.
