West Bengal Police are on High Alert: Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal have become a source of political conflict in recent years. These rallies often lead to major political clashes and sometimes even communal violence.
Several police stations across West Bengal are on high alert to prevent communal tension during the Ram Navami celebrations. According to The Indian Express, the Hindu Jagran Manch plans to hold around 5,000 religious processions in every state district at the ward or panchayat level.
The Hindu Jagran Manch, linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), also plans to hold large processions in Barasat, Siliguri, and the Burrabazar area of Kolkata.
According to the newspaper, the district administration in Hooghly, Howrah, Uttar Dakshin Dinajpur, Asansol, and Barrackpore is on high alert. These areas have faced communal tensions in the past during Ram Navami celebrations.
The police have warned that anyone breaking the law or causing trouble will face strict action. An unidentified police officer told The Indian Express that no public display of weapons will be allowed during the processions for the festive occasion. Some traditional groups and akharas have been given permission, but their processions will be recorded on video.
In recent years, Ram Navami celebrations have become a source of political conflict, with rallies turning into major political clashes and even communal riots. Last year, clashes occurred in Howrah on March 30 and then spread to North Dinajpur and Hooghly. Ten people were injured.
Earlier this week, on Monday, the Calcutta High Court allowed the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Anjani Putra Sena to hold Ram Navami processions in Howrah on April 17, but with certain conditions. The state government had tried to stop the processions and suggested a different route.
At the same time, the Hindu Jagran Manch expects hundreds of thousands of people to join the Ram Navami processions on Wednesday. Subhajit Roy Manch, a member of the Hindu Jagran Manch, told the Daily that some of their processions could attract a huge crowd. He said it was an important day for them, and the police should maintain law and order. He also urged people to respect the right of everyone to celebrate their festivals without interference.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of trying to stop the Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that the BJP was trying to incite riots in the state before the Lok Sabha elections.
#WATCH | West Bengal: While addressing a public meeting in Balurghat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "This is the first Ram Navami when Ram Lalla has been enthroned in the grand temple in Ayodhya. I know TMC, as always, tried its best to stop the Ram Navami celebrations here,… pic.twitter.com/ePlnF8GiJ3
— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2024
Speaking at election rallies in Raiganj and Balurghat, Modi praised the High Court’s decision to allow the VHP procession in Howrah. He called it a “victory for truth.”
Modi said in Balurghat that the Trinamool Congress tried everything to block the Ram Navami celebrations in the state. However, he stated that truth prevails and that the court granted permission. He added that the processions will be held the next day with full faith and devotion.
On the other hand, Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of trying to start riots just two days before the first phase of elections. She claimed that the BJP is planning to cause riots in the state on April 17 to gain an advantage in the first phase of elections on April 19. According to PTI, she said at a rally in Jalpaiguri that the BJP aims to create communal divisions in the state.
Mamata Banerjee also alleged that after the clashes, the BJP would use the National Investigation Agency to arrest TMC leaders on false charges. She urged her supporters and the peace-loving people of West Bengal not to fall into the trap or engage in clashes. She emphasized that people must stay alert to prevent the BJP’s plan to incite riots for votes.
Also Read: Ram Navami 2024: Date, Time, Celebrations, Wishes, Rituals, History and Significance
