Kolkata: As West Bengal gears up to celebrate Ram Navami on April 6, political tensions have flared up yet again, with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led government of obstructing religious festivities.
Adhikari, speaking to ANI, alleged that the police under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are “stopping people” from celebrating Ram Navami, forcing them to seek legal recourse.
“It is our constitutional right to celebrate our religious festivals, but Mamata Banerjee’s police are stopping us. We are forced to go to the High Court and Supreme Court regarding every issue,” Adhikari said.
His remarks come just a day after the Calcutta High Court permitted a Ram Navami rally in Howrah, albeit with strict conditions. The rally, scheduled between 3 to 5 pm, will allow participation of up to 500 people and must be conducted peacefully, with no arms or motorcycles permitted. The approved route will pass along GT Road, and the police will supervise the procession.
Three organizations—Anjani Putra Sena, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Durga Vahini—have been allowed to hold the rally under these guidelines.
Meanwhile, the festive spirit is in full swing across Howrah, with markets decorated with saffron flags, posters, and colourful lights. A local shopkeeper shared optimism, saying, “There have been good sales, and it has increased compared to last year.”
Another resident, Mukesh Prasad, highlighted the ongoing preparations: “We have been celebrating Ram Navami for a long time. The preparations have been going on for a couple of days.”
In contrast, CM Mamata Banerjee appealed for calm and harmony among communities during the upcoming celebrations.
“They are doing a rally on Ram Navami. We want peace. Everyone will do puja. I request everyone and all communities to maintain peace. Don’t create a riot-like situation,” Mamata said earlier this week.
“We will follow Ramakrishna, not the jumla party. We will follow Vivekananda, not the jumla party,” she added, without naming any political party directly.
