West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday issued a strong warning against attempts to incite communal discord during Ram Navami processions on April 6
Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of "importing a new form of religion" to divide communities, she asserted that violence in the name of religion would not be tolerated. Delivering her message fron Nabanna, the state secretariat, she further emphasised that the people of Bengal do not support communal tensions and called for a peaceful celebration of the festival.
Mamata’s statement comes in response to BJP leader and former state president Dilip Ghosh, who recently justified the display of weapons during Ram Navami processions, claiming it was "necessary in Bengal."
In a veiled warning directed at such remarks, Mamata stated, "I urge those who riot with weapons in the name of religion to act with caution. You can certainly conduct processions as per tradition, but everything must be done within the framework of police restrictions."
She further criticised the BJP’s approach to religion, urging the party to focus on other Hindu festivals instead of using Ram Navami as a political tool. "If you truly love religion, then observe Basanti Puja, Navratri, and Annapurna Puja. Learn the history of Bengal before using religion for politics," she remarked.
Highlighting that Eid was celebrated peacefully in Bengal, Mamata stressed that the same standard must apply to Ram Navami and other Hindu festivals. She acknowledged that even members of her own party participate in Ram Navami processions and made it clear that she has no objections to religious celebrations, as long as they remain peaceful.
However, she accused the BJP of weaponising religion to create communal divisions. Taking a direct dig at the saffron party, she sarcastically labeled the BJP a "jumla party", asserting that their version of Hinduism does not align with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramhansa. “I will accept Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna, but not the BJP’s brand of religion,” she declared.
As Ram Navami is nearing, multiple processions are scheduled across Kolkata and other districts of Bengal, with various Hindutva groups and the BJP actively participating. However, the planned display of weapons has led to widespread controversy, prompting the state police to issue a strict warning of legal action against any violations.
While Mamata delivered her sharp rebuke against the BJP from the state secretariat, her party’s MPs simultaneously raised concerns in Parliament over the Waqf Bill, signaling a broader political battle between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP.
With BJP-TMC tensions escalating and the state police on high alert, all eyes are now on how the Ram Navami processions will unfold and whether the government’s warnings against weapon displays will be enforced.
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