Today marks the joyous festival of Ram Navami, and West Bengal has heightened security across the state. The BJP has made meticulous preparations. Grand processions are unfolding everywhere, with party workers joining in large numbers. Streets reverberate with the powerful chants of 'Jai Shri Ram.' Amidst the ongoing political tussle between the BJP and TMC, high alert police deployment can be seen in sensitive regions to maintain peace.
The BJP has unveiled a major plan, while Mamata Banerjee's government has issued directives to ensure a serene celebration. The police are vigilant, enhancing security in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents. Despite these tensions, devotees across Bengal are joining the vibrant celebrations.
What are the BJP's Preparations?
The energy and enthusiasm are palpable. Orange flags are fluttering, as devotees are immersed in the melodies dedicated to Lord Ram. The processions are a sea of saffron. The BJP has been strategizing for the grand Ram Navami processions for days. According to their plan, leaders and workers will organize over 20,000 processions throughout Bengal, involving approximately one crore people.
Procession in Howrah
In Howrah, the Anjana Putra Sena will also participate in a significant procession. The procession route is fortified with heavy security. This morning, Bengal Police’s dog squad conducted thorough checks, and a significant number of officers have been deployed, ensuring the Ram Navami festivities proceed smoothly.
Laying the Foundation of a Ram Temple in Nandigram
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari will visit Nandigram today to lay the foundation of a Ram temple. This significant event is set for Ram Navami, with complete preparations underway. Suvendu Adhikari has consistently criticized the Mamata government, and preparations for the temple's foundation are complete.
Recently, Suvendu Adhikari claimed that at least 1.5 crore Hindus will come forward to celebrate Ram Navami this year, with over 2,000 rallies planned across the state. Hindu organizations affiliated with the BJP, like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Hindu Jagarana Manch, are organizing processions in West Bengal. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliates are also planning rallies across every block in the state.
High Court Orders Procession
This procession is being carried out following an order from the High Court. Preparations were evident from Saturday. A majestic procession was organized by numerous devotees in Howrah. On Ram Navami, Bengal has declared 10 districts as sensitive, enforcing tight security in these areas. Twenty-nine police officers are specifically tasked to maintain order, with CCTV surveillance monitoring the crowd. The administration remains vigilant on social media as well.
Approval for Processions at 59 Locations in Kolkata
In Kolkata alone, permission has been granted for 59 Ram Navami processions, with devotees taking to the streets at these numerous locations. Approximately 5,000 police personnel have been deployed throughout Kolkata. Senior officers of various ranks, including Deputy and Joint Commissioners, are overseeing the security along the procession routes.
BJP Criticizes Mamata Government
Meanwhile, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh has questioned Mamata Banerjee's governance. He stated that Ram Navami will be celebrated with grandeur across Bengal. The police-administration's role is to prevent disorder. Hindus celebrating in their unique ways should face no objection or difficulty. Millions are expected to participate, he said. Ghosh also mentioned concerns over temple desecrations, idol thefts, and pandal burnings, stressing the community’s right to self-defense, including carrying weapons if necessary. "There's no problem in chanting Jai Shri Ram," he added.
BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar mentioned that lakhs of Hindus are anticipated to hit the streets on Ram Navami. He urged the state government to assist in maintaining serenity and harbored any attempts to disrupt the celebration.
TMC's Stand
In a counter-move, the ruling Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of attempting to communally polarize the region. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh stated that the BJP is trying to transform Ram Navami into a political affair. They are not concerned with developmental politics, instead choosing to politicize religion and incite unrest. Bengal will not tolerate this.
Security Arrangements
Police sources reveal extensive surveillance through drones and CCTV. Quick response teams are stationed at sensitive spots like Entally, Cossipore, Khidderpore, and Chitpur in Kolkata. Live footage of the rallies streams to the Lalbazar Kolkata Police headquarters, monitored by over 20 IPS officers to ensure smooth administration across different city divisions.
Senior IPS officers are monitoring areas in districts like Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, West Burdwan at Asansol, East Burdwan, Malda, Murshidabad, Jalpaiguri, and Siliguri to ensure the festivities remain peaceful.
