When the new West Bengal government assumed power, I held high hopes for governance that would treat every community with fairness and respect. However, recent events have left me feeling deeply disappointed and let down.

Recently, Red Road in Kolkata has been closed for Prime Minister Modi’s World Yoga Day celebration. What's distressing is that only a few weeks ago, the same location was denied for Eid prayers. It appears that what should be a public space is being selectively restricted in a manner that discriminates against certain cultural events in favor of others.

Red Road has historically been a venue where people of diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate various occasions. By prioritizing some events over others, it sends a divisive message to the citizens of Kolkata, undermining the principle of equality that our nation upholds.

This is not just about logistics or traffic management; this is about the inclusivity and equality every citizen of West Bengal deserves. Governing bodies should ensure that the policies they enforce are neutral and free from bias towards any community or religious group. Let us advocate for non-discriminatory access to public spaces for all significant events in our region.

Your action today can remind our leaders of the values we cherish—respect, equality, and unity. Stand with me and make our voices heard by signing this petition to protest the closure of Red Road for World Yoga Day. Together, we can work toward a West Bengal where all communities feel equally respected and valued.