I-Day venue: Mamata breaks tradition

In a departure from tradition on Independence Day, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday hoisted the Tricolour at the Indira Gandhi Sarani instead of the usual venue near Writers Buildings.

In a departure from tradition on Independence Day, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday hoisted the Tricolour at the Indira Gandhi Sarani instead of the usual venue near Writers Buildings.

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Besides the flag-hoisting at Indira Gandhi Sarani, Banerjee took the salute at a ceremonial parade, which was also held for the first time. I-Day celebrations have been held at a venue near Writers Buildings since 1948.

Banerjee asked Maoists to return to the mainstream. "Maoists should return to the mainstream of life and our government will make all arrangements for their rehabilitation, including jobs," she said in her address.