BJP warns Mamata ‘Ram won’t forgive’, HC reject plea to deter ‘Sampriti’ rally

The Calcutta High Court declined to entertain a petition filed by West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari seeking an order to defer Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's interfaith rally scheduled for January 22, a move that further intensified the ongoing political rivalry in the state.

Earlier this week, Banerjee had announced her plans to offer prayers at the Kalighat temple in Kolkata, followed by leading a massive Sampriti (religious harmony) rally on the same day as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled consecration ceremony for Ayodhya's Ram Temple. The decision to organize the rally on the day of the Ram Temple ceremony had already drawn criticism from BJP leaders Dilip Ghosh and Sukanta Majumdar.

Adhikari's plea to the Calcutta High Court to postpone Banerjee's interfaith rally was met with a refusal, leaving the political landscape in West Bengal charged with heightened tensions. The court's decision implies that Banerjee's rally is set to proceed as planned, setting the stage for a direct clash of political ideologies on January 22.

The BJP leaders criticized Banerjee's 'Sampriti Yatra,' alleging that it was an attempt to divert attention and accused her of neglecting the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

BJP MP Dilip Ghosh, questioning Banerjee's priorities, remarked, "Mamata Banerjee is not going to the Ram Temple program in Ayodhya but taking out a procession here. Who is she uniting? Bloodshed is taking place in Bengal," adding a stern warning that Lord Ram "will not forgive her."

Similarly, Sukanta Majumdar expressed concerns about potential disruptions by "Babar's supporters" in areas of West Bengal where Hindus constitute a minority. Majumdar went on to accuse Banerjee of turning the state into a "hub for extremists."

Banerjee, undeterred by the criticism, announced her plans for a 'Sarba Dharma' (interfaith) rally on the same day as the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. She emphasized her intention to offer puja at the Kalighat temple and urged people from all religions to participate in the event.

When asked if the rally was a counter to the Ram Temple event, Banerjee downplayed the suggestion, stating, "I am not giving any reply. I would say religion is different, but festivals are for everyone."

The political tension in West Bengal has raised concerns about communal harmony. BJP leaders have accused Banerjee of attempting to disrupt peace and communal harmony in the state.

Sukanta Majumdar's warning about potential disruptions during the Ram Temple festivities reflects the heightened sensitivity surrounding religious events in areas with minority populations.