PM Modi, Mamata clash over Ram Navami celebrations in Bengal
A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the Ram Navami festival which will be celebrated on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the TMC of attempting to disrupt the festivities using "conspiracies." In response, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of meddling in state officials' transfers and cautioned that the saffron party would bear responsibility for any potential riots.
Why does this story matter?
This comes a day after the Calcutta High Court granted permission to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to hold a procession on Ram Navami in Howrah city. The West Bengal government had highlighted unrest during last year's procession and proposed an alternative route for the procession. The organizers had contested in the high court.
PM Modi invokes Lord Ram
Addressing a public meeting in Balurghat in the state, PM Modi invoked Lord Ram. He said this was the first Ram Navami with Ram Lalla is his temple in Ayodhya. "I know TMC, as always, tried its best to stop the Ram Navami celebrations here, and hatched several conspiracies. But only truth wins. Therefore, permission has been granted by the court and tomorrow the Ram Navami processions will be taken out with full reverence and devotion," the PM said.
Banerjee expresses concern over Election Commission appointments
Meanwhile, Banerjee has alleged that the BJP is stoking communal tensions ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "The DIG of Murshidabad was changed...If there are riots there...the Election Commission of India will have to take...responsibility," she said. "We know who can handle the riots...But the ECI is selectively appointing officers. Changes are being made so that BJP gets a chance, she added. The CM also alleged that the "law and order of state is being looked after by the ECI."
7 phase polling to start on April 19
The Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal will be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, across 42 constituencies. The first phase of the elections will kick off in north Bengal on April 19. In 2019, the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal were held in seven phases from April 11 to May 19. Out of 42 seats, the TMC won 22 as against the BJP's 18, with the Congress winning the other two seats.
Polling phases increased in 2014
The phases were increased from five in 2014, following large-scale political violence in the state. Over 580 companies of central paramilitary forces were deployed in West Bengal to oversee the polling.
