Key Points
- BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar alleged that Hindu devotees were attacked during a Ram Navami procession in Kolkata’s Park Circus area.
- Vehicles carrying saffron flags were reportedly vandalized, with stones pelting causing chaos.
- Kolkata Police denied the claims, stating no permission was granted for any procession and urged the public to avoid rumors.
- The incident has sparked a political war of words between BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Kolkata:The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged a targeted attack on Hindu devotees participating in a Ram Navami procession in Kolkata’s Park Circus Seven Point area. According to BJP MP and West Bengal state president Sukanta Majumdar, vehicles carrying saffron flags were pelted with stones, leading to shattered windshields and chaos. The party accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government and police of inaction during the alleged violence.
BJP’s Allegations
Majumdar took to social media platform X to condemn the incident, calling it “targeted violence.” He claimed that the police, despite being present at the scene, failed to intervene. “Stones rained down on vehicles just for carrying saffron flags. Windshields shattered. Chaos unleashed. The police stood silent, spineless,” he wrote. The BJP also shared purported videos of the incident, alleging that the violence was pre-planned and politically motivated.
Majumdar further criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration, accusing it of appeasement politics. He declared that next year’s Ram Navami procession would be even larger and more powerful, promising that silent policemen today would “shower flowers” on them in the future.
Kolkata Police’s Response
Contradicting BJP’s claims, Kolkata Police stated that no permission had been granted for any Ram Navami procession in the Park Circus area. They clarified that no such procession took place and urged citizens not to believe rumors. The police added that they promptly acted upon receiving information about vehicle damage and restored order at the scene. A case has been registered to investigate the matter.
“With reference to an alleged incident at Park Circus, it is clarified that no permission was taken for any procession, nor did any such movement occur in the area,” Kolkata Police posted on X.
TMC’s Reaction
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) dismissed BJP’s allegations as baseless and accused them of using religious occasions for political gains. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh criticized the aggressive displays during Ram Navami celebrations, arguing that such behavior doesn’t align with Bengal’s cultural traditions. “This culture is being forcefully imposed on Bengal. Celebrate Ram Navami peacefully a hundred times if you wish, but don’t use it as a tool for political chaos,” he said.
Political Fallout
The incident has intensified political tensions in West Bengal ahead of next year’s assembly elections. BJP leaders have accused TMC of failing to protect Hindus, while TMC has countered by questioning BJP’s motives behind organizing such processions. The controversy also highlights the growing communal polarization in the state.
