1. West Bengal police are on high alert amid preparations for Ram Navami celebrations.
2. The Hindu Jagran Manch plans around 5,000 religious processions across districts, raising concerns.
3. Law enforcement is vigilant to prevent potential communal tension during the festivities.
Kolkata, April 17: Amidst preparations for Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal, the state police are on high alert to prevent any potential communal tension.
The Hindu Jagran Manch, reportedly planning around 5,000 religious processions at ward or panchayat level across all districts, has drawn attention from law enforcement agencies.
Affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the organisation has scheduled major processions in Barasat, Siliguri, and Kolkata’s Burrabazar.
District administrations in areas previously prone to communal tensions during Ram Navami celebrations, such as Hooghly, Howrah, Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur, Asansol, and Barrackpore, are also closely monitoring the situation.
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The police have emphasized strict enforcement of law and order, prohibiting any public display of weapons during processions and ensuring thorough videography of events.
Ram Navami festivities in recent years have often evolved into political battlegrounds, marked by rallies escalating into major confrontations and communal unrest.
Notably, clashes erupted in Howrah on March 30 last year, spreading to North Dinajpur and Hooghly, resulting in injuries to ten individuals.
Earlier this week, the Calcutta High Court granted permission for Ram Navami processions in Howrah on April 17, with certain conditions imposed.
The state government’s proposal for an alternative route was contested, leading to the court’s decision.
The Hindu Jagran Manch anticipates widespread participation in the Ram Navami processions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order.
Member Subhajit Roy Manch urged people to ensure equal celebration of festivals for all faiths while discouraging hindrances from any quarters.
Meanwhile, political rhetoric surrounding Ram Navami has intensified, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of attempting to obstruct the festivities.
In response, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of inciting riots ahead of the elections. Modi hailed the high court’s decision as a “victory for truth,” asserting the inevitability of Ram Navami celebrations.
Conversely, Banerjee warned against falling into the BJP’s alleged trap of communal polarization, urging vigilance to thwart potential riots.
With tensions escalating and political stakes rising, West Bengal braces itself for Ram Navami amidst a charged atmosphere of electoral fervor and communal sensitivities.
