EC bans motorcycles in Bengal during polling

India's Congress party has cancelled Rahul Gandhi's planned election visit to West Bengal on April 23, 2026. The party alleges the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, led by Mamata Banerjee, intentionally delayed or denied administrative permissions for his rallies in Kolkata and Serampore. This incident highlights the charged political atmosphere in the state ahead of elections, following recent security measures like the Election Commission's motorcycle ban. The Congress claims the local administration and police withheld permissions "at the behest" of the state government.