Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 30, 2025, Kolkata : The ongoing political tension and debates surrounding law and order in West Bengal, particularly concerning Ram Navami celebrations, have reached a critical juncture. Municipal Minister Firhad Hakim recently warned that a small group of individuals from other states could incite unrest in the state on Ram Navami. However, he expressed confidence that if such individuals are identified early, there would be no issue. Firhad emphasized that both he and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remain vigilant during the festival, staying up at night each year to ensure the peace is maintained.
In the meantime, opposition figures, including Leader of the Opposition Shuvendu Adhikari and BJP leader Dilip Ghosh, have adopted a sharp tone as Ram Navami approaches. Both leaders have issued stern warnings against the participation of armed processions and public gatherings during the festivities. Through their remarks, the BJP appears to be leveraging the occasion to strengthen its political narrative, rallying support around the principles of Hindutva as it prepares for the upcoming elections in the state. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), in alignment with BJP’s agenda, has instructed its workers to bolster the show of force during the Ram Navami processions.
Responding to the rising political and religious tensions, Firhad Hakim stood firm in his belief that “communal politics will not work in Bengal,” emphasizing that the state remains committed to the secular values espoused by figures like Ramakrishna. Hakim also criticized Union Minister Amit Shah’s attempts to cultivate support for the BJP in the state, saying that religious politics would not succeed in West Bengal.
Meanwhile, the RSS has refrained from directly intervening in the law and order matters surrounding the Ram Navami celebrations, deferring to the police administration. Dr. Jishnu Basu, the RSS’s Eastern Field Co-Promotion Officer, expressed the organization’s acceptance of the police’s decision on how to handle the procession, highlighting that different regions have diverse religious practices, and the law and order situation must be managed by the local authorities.
As tensions rise, West Bengal’s political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, with both major parties vying for influence. The key challenge moving forward will be maintaining peace and communal harmony as political factions continue to assert their positions in the lead-up to the next elections.
