Kolkata, Mar 1 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee will lead a march in the metropolis on the eve of International Women's Day on March 7, amid her party facing flak over alleged atrocities against women in Sandeshkhali region.

Banerjee's programme will take place a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed rally at Barasat in North 24-Parganas district, where Sandeshkhali is situated.

Also Read | High Suicide Rates in Gujarat: Mallikarjun Kharge Expresses Concern on ‘Rising Suicide Rates’, Urges State Govt To Take Immediate Measures.

“Our party supremo will lead a march in Kolkata from College Square to Dorina crossing. The theme of the rally will be ‘Mahila der Adhikaar, Aamader Angikaar' (women's rights, our commitment),” a TMC leader said.

Every year on March 8 on the occasion of International Women's Day, Banerjee organises a march in the city, expressing solidarity with the fight for women's rights.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Congress to Kickstart Poll Campaign Next Week; Party’s Manifesto Committee Meeting on March 4.

“This time, she will give a message about TMC's track record in ensuring women empowerment in the state. A lot of canards are being spread against the party,” he said.

The Sandeshkhali region, located on the fringes of the Sunderbans, has been engulfed in turmoil for over a month due to accusations against TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his cohorts of sexual abuse and land usurpation.

Sheikh was arrested by police on Thursday after being on the run for 55 days.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)