Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dilip Ghosh has stirred controversy by advocating for a Ram Navami procession with weapons, asserting that such a move is necessary. Directly targeting the state police, he claimed that his party does not trust Bengal’s law enforcement agencies to ensure security.
"Processions with weapons are not new. If weapons can be carried during Muharram, why not on Ram Navami? Our gods and goddesses are depicted with weapons, and in the current scenario, it is essential for our safety, as we have no faith in the police," said Ghosh on Monday, six days ahead of the religious festival is scheduled to be held.
Citing the recent incident in Mothabari, Malda, where shops and houses of Hindus were vandalised by a particular community, Ghosh reinforced his argument in favour of Ram Navami processions with weapons questioning police’s ability to provide security when they struggle to protect themselves.
Ghosh went on to allege that Hindus are being attacked across the state. He warned that if this continues, religious festivals and processions might be forced to stop altogether.
"Hindus must take charge of their own protection," he declared, emphasising what he described as a growing threat to their right to celebrate religious occasions freely.
Ghosh’s comment is said to aimed at consolidating Hindu votes in favour of the BJP ahead of the next year’s Assembly elections.
The former state BJP president accused the authorities of deliberately fostering an environment of fear to deter Hindu celebrations. He referenced multiple incidents of unrest in different districts, including Malda, to support his claims, arguing that these incidents reflect a broader attempt to restrict Hindu religious expression.
Meanwhile, the police have issued warnings about possible violence linked to Ram Navami. Authorities claim that certain groups are attempting to incite unrest through posters and placards ahead of the festival.
Law enforcement agencies have urged the public not to fall for provocations and have heightened security measures for the next ten days. Districts across the state have been placed on high alert and social media activity is being closely monitored to prevent inflammatory content.
In response, Ghosh countered by saying that the rising religious tensions in various districts require immediate government intervention. "If the administration fails to act, conflicts will escalate from both sides," he warned.
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