BJP Claims Bengal Police is Causing Unnecessary Alarm Over Ram Navami

Synopsis

On April 2, a senior BJP leader accused the West Bengal Police of creating unnecessary panic over the upcoming Ram Navami festival, criticizing the decision to cancel police leaves. He stressed that Hindus conduct their rituals peacefully and that police should focus on those instigating unrest. The opposition leader projected a significant turnout for this year's celebrations.

Key Takeaways

BJP accuses West Bengal Police of creating panic.
Police canceled leaves from April 2-9 citing potential unrest.
Dilip Ghosh emphasized peaceful Hindu celebrations.
2,000 rallies expected for Ram Navami this year.
Possible attempts to instigate violence reported.

Kolkata, April 2 (NationPress) A prominent member of the BJP from West Bengal accused the West Bengal Police on Wednesday of instigating unnecessary panic among the public regarding the upcoming Ram Navami festival.

Dilip Ghosh, who has served as the party's national vice-president and Lok Sabha member, criticized the police's decision to revoke the leaves of all officers, except for emergencies, between April 2-9 as unwarranted.

"Such panic-driven measures are typically seen only during Hindu festivals. The police ought to focus on addressing those who cause disturbances. Hindus are well-organized and conduct their religious observances peacefully. Millions take part in Durga Puja without any issues. It has become a tendency of the ruling party to foster anxiety and unrest," Ghosh stated.

He added that the likelihood of any untoward incidents during the Ram Navami processions can be mitigated if the police manage those seeking to create discord during the festivities.

Earlier, two senior officials from the West Bengal Police informed the media that they received specific intelligence indicating that some vested interests might attempt to incite violence ahead of Ram Navami.

"There are plans to provoke individuals through various posters or online posts. The police are on high alert. There may be attempts to stir up tension among different communities, particularly during Ram Navami. We urge people not to be provoked. There’s no reason for concern, but we also ask the community to inform local police of any suspicious activities in their areas," stated Supratim Sarkar, Additional Director General (South Bengal), on March 29.

Recently, reports emerged of communal clashes in Mothabari, Malda district.

The Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, announced that this year there would be at least 2,000 rallies, both large and small, for Ram Navami.

He claimed that the number of participants in this year’s Ram Navami rallies would be double that of last year.

"This year, Ram Navami will be celebrated on a grand scale. I will be present in the streets that day. Last year, approximately 50 lakh Hindus participated in the rallies for Ram Navami. We had 1,000 rallies last year. This year, we expect 2,000 rallies with around one crore Hindus joining in," he asserted.