Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, announced plans for extensive Ram Navami festivities on April 6, with over 20,000 processions expected to take place across the state. He anticipates participation from approximately one crore Hindus, reflecting a significant increase from previous years. "Last year, around 50,000 Hindus participated in 1,000 Ram Navami rallies. This year, no less than one crore Hindus will take to the streets in 2,000 rallies across the state," Adhikari stated during an event in his Nandigram constituency.
The BJP leader emphasized that organizers should proceed with the processions without seeking official permission, asserting that no approval is necessary to worship Lord Ram. He urged the administration to ensure that the events remain peaceful, while cautioning against any attempts to suppress the celebrations. "It is the administration's responsibility to ensure others remain peaceful too," Adhikari remarked, without specifying any particular community.
Adhikari's statements come amid escalating political tensions in West Bengal, where the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP have been at odds over various issues, including the organization of religious events. He accused Chief Minister Banerjee of appeasing a specific community and warned that her tenure was nearing its end. "Hindus will reign in Hindustan, and those who work for Hindus will reign in West Bengal. The situation in the state will be similar to that of Bangladesh if Mamata Banerjee remains in power. The days of her rule are numbered," Adhikari asserted.
He further alleged that during the previous Durga Puja, several Hindu places of worship were vandalized, drawing parallels to attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. "Jihadi elements are behind such incidents, and some TMC leaders were aiding and abetting them," Adhikari claimed. He called for unity among Hindus, stating that if they come together, the TMC would be defeated.
The BJP leader also criticized the state government's handling of incidents during Holi, alleging that attacks were carried out on Dalits by "jihadis" in Sainthia, with no action taken against the perpetrators. He claimed that internet services were suspended to cover up the violence against the 'Sanatanis' and that discussions on the matter were not allowed in the assembly.
In response to Adhikari's remarks, the TMC has dismissed the allegations as baseless and accused the BJP of attempting to incite communal tensions ahead of the upcoming elections. TMC leaders have reiterated their commitment to maintaining communal harmony and ensuring that all religious events are conducted peacefully.
The political landscape in West Bengal has been increasingly polarized, with both parties engaging in a war of words over issues related to religious celebrations and community appeasement. As Ram Navami approaches, the state's administration faces the challenge of balancing the right to religious expression with the need to maintain law and order.
Observers note that the BJP's emphasis on large-scale Ram Navami processions is part of a broader strategy to consolidate Hindu votes in the state, where the party has been striving to expand its influence. The TMC, on the other hand, aims to retain its support base by projecting itself as a secular party committed to the welfare of all communities.
The upcoming Ram Navami celebrations are likely to serve as a litmus test for the state's ability to manage communal sensitivities while upholding democratic freedoms. The administration's handling of the processions and any potential unrest will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the political dynamics in West Bengal.