In a first, Mamata Banerjee to address mega Muslim rally; may speak on intolerance

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will on Thursday do something which she has never done before.

The Trinamool Congress chief will today address a mega rally of Muslims in the state capital.

It is expected that Mamata will speak on the raging issue of intolerance during her address at the rally.

The rally, to be held at Shahid Minar grounds, has been organised by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. JuH is a leading organisation of Bengali-speaking Muslims.

The rally assumes significance ahead of Assembly Elections next year and may help the TMC win Muslim votes.

According to a report in the Hindustan Times, some three lakh Muslims, clerics, madrasa students and ordinary residents are expected to attend the rally.

The vice-chancellor of Kalyani University, Ratan Lal Hanglu, former chief justice of India Altamas Kabir, and the vice-chancellor of Dar-ul Ulum Deoband, Qari Md Osman, will also grace the occasion.