The Aryavarth Express
Agency(West Bengal): The upcoming Ram Navami celebrations on April 17 in West Bengal are setting the stage for a major political showdown between the BJP and TMC, as both parties leverage the festival to consolidate support ahead of the Lok Sabha polls scheduled for April 19 and 26. This religious festival, which marks the birth of Lord Ram, has historically been celebrated with enthusiasm in certain parts of India, but its prominence in West Bengal has grown significantly alongside the BJP’s rising influence in the state.
BJP president JP Nadda claimed that under the Modi government, the Northeast has transitioned from a region of unrest to one of progress and development. The party has planned a comprehensive Ram Mahotsav program from April 9 to 23, culminating on Hanuman Jayanti, aiming to demonstrate “Hindu unity” through over 5,000 statewide events.
However, the celebrations have not been without controversy. In recent years, Ram Navami rallies have led to communal tensions and violence in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the TMC have accused the BJP of using the festival to instigate communal riots, particularly in sensitive areas like Howrah, where clashes occurred last year. In response, the TMC has also planned significant rallies, including a large gathering in Howrah on the day of Ram Navami.
VHP’s national assistant secretary, Sachindranath Singha, emphasized that the festival transcends politics, focusing instead on faith and communal harmony. He clarified that, except for traditional Akharas, the rallies would be weapon-free, aiming to avoid the violence seen in previous years.
The political ramifications are substantial, as both parties seek to mobilize their bases in a state where communal identity plays a significant role in electoral politics. The BJP aims to improve on its 2019 performance, where it won 18 seats, by consolidating Hindu votes, while the TMC seeks to maintain its stronghold by appealing to both religious sentiments and regional loyalties.
As the state gears up for the elections, the intersection of religion and politics at Ram Navami is a clear indicator of the high stakes involved, highlighting the ongoing struggle between the BJP and TMC for dominance in West Bengal’s complex political landscape.