In West Bengal, over 2,000 rallies are planned for Ram Navami, with Hindu groups organizing the events across the state. Authorities are taking precautionary measures to prevent communal violence, which has marred the festival in previous years. The rallies, planned by a coalition of around 20 Hindu organizations, have raised concerns among the authorities due to the potential for tensions and violence, especially in sensitive areas.
The West Bengal police have made extensive arrangements to maintain peace, with Additional Director General of Police Jawed Shamim urging citizens to remain vigilant. Shamim emphasized that the next 10 days would be crucial, and advised the public not to fall prey to rumors or provocations that could incite communal discord. In recent years, the state has witnessed significant unrest during Ram Navami celebrations, especially when processions passed by mosques.
One of the key organizers of the rallies, Bikarna Naskar, member of Sri Ram Navami Ujjapan Samity, mentioned that the group had received intelligence about potential attacks on rallies at 43 different locations. Naskar warned that if their rallies were attacked, they would not passively watch the situation unfold. The rallies, which will feature participants from various Hindu organizations, are likely to see large gatherings, with some groups defying prohibitory orders about carrying weapons like tridents and swords.
There are also growing political tensions as the BJP accuses the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of failing to ensure the safety of Hindu participants. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar and other BJP leaders have highlighted previous attacks on Ram Navami processions, especially in areas where they passed mosques. Majumdar’s statements have further stoked the political rhetoric, with the BJP rallying for Hindu unity ahead of the 2026 elections.
The TMC, on the other hand, has criticized the BJP’s divisive approach. Rajib Banerjee, former TMC minister and now advisor to the Paschim Banga Rajya Sanatan Bhahman Trust, said that the BJP is using Ram Navami for electoral gains, emphasizing brotherhood among all communities in Bengal.
As the state braces for the upcoming celebrations, the authorities remain focused on maintaining peace amid growing tensions, with both political parties and religious groups vying for attention and support in the run-up to the 2026 state elections.
