‘Ram Navami precisionists backed by BJP ‘deliberately’ entered Muslim-dominated locality

The communal violence during Ram Navami processions in West Bengal has triggered a big political controversy with both the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP are trading charges over the violence.

Meanwhile, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday slammed alleged that the precisionists backed by the BJP “deliberately” entered the minority areas without permission, leading to the violence. She said: “I will do everything for you (people), but I request you not to support BJP – the party that creates riots – in the upcoming Panchayat elections and the 2024 general elections”.

The BJP, on the other, hand used its victimhood card alleging that the Hindus are being harassed and intimidated under the TMC government, with the party leaders meticulously choosing words, keeping its electoral constituencies in mind. The saffron party used its oft-repeated ‘Muslim appeasement’ and ‘vote-bank’ politics charges in media. The party accused the state government of “selective bias” in handling the situation, implying that Hindus are being harassed and intimidated. In any case, the communal violence is no doubt will help the BJP to further consolidate its vote banks ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Political observers are of the view that the communal violence in state was “politically motivated” as it comes at a time when the ruling TMC is stepping up its Muslim outreach programme after the setback in Sagardighi by-poll. According to sources, the party is worried about the minority votes slipping away. The party leaders very well know that the TMC gained seats because minorities are afraid of the BJP. A slip of minority votes will hit the party hard, believes the party. “While the BJP and a set of mainstream news channels are engaged in disinformation campaign, one must not forget that the riots broke out in six states during the Ramavami events, but only two states – Bihar and West Bengal are in focus…Do the people not know the motive?” said a media critic in West Bengal on the condition of anonymity.

There is certainly no doubt that the state administration failed to stop the violence when last year similar incidents were reported at least at one of the sites that saw violence in Howrah during Ram Navami.

There is certainly no doubt that the state administration failed to stop the violence when last year similar incidents were reported at least at one of the sites that saw violence in Howrah during Ram Navami.

Meanwhile, fresh clashes reportedly erupted in Hooghly. The BJP alleged that the precisionists were attacked outside a mosque at Rishra in the district and claimed that its local legislator was injured, according to Hindustan Times. According to BJP national vice-president Dilip Ghosh – who took part in the rally – stones were pelted at the rally.

-INDIAN NEWS STREAM