Even the TMC and BJP geared up to utilise the Monday’s inauguration of Ram Temple Ayodhya in their own ways apparently to test their respective strength the State police went on a high alert to avert any kind of unpleasant incident.
While parts of Bengal decked up to celebrate the Monday’s grand event the Kolkata prepared for a mega all-religion “harmony rally” to be led by Chief Minister Banerejee. The much awaited consecration of Ram Temple would take place on Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to play the leading role in the rituals.
In an apparent bid to create a counter-narrative Banerjee has directed her party men and appealed to the people of Kolkata and Bengal to organise harmony rallies to one of which she would lead from South Kolkata after offering prayer at the iconic Kali Temple at Kalighat.
The rally will pass by temples, Gurdwaras, churches and mosques and conclude at Park Circus Maidan a minority-dominated locality.
Similar rallies have been asked to be organized throughout the State right till the block level.
The BJP has termed her rally a “gimmick show” at a time when “the entire country and the State is filled with love for Lord Rama.”
While slamming Banerjee, Bengal Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari said, “her rally is aimed at appeasing a particular community … as the TMC wants to create a law and order situation in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls,” his party comrade and State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar sought forgiveness for the “sinners” saying, “those trying to stop celebrations regarding Ram temple inauguration will be given a befitting reply in the next elections. The TMC is taking out the rally to counter the event in Ayodhya…. They do not know that they are doing … I will pray to God to forgive these people.”
CPI(M)’s rising star Meenakshi Mukherjee said that Chief Minister was putting up a fake show as she had brought the BJP in Bengal which was a communally peaceful State.
“It is for Mamata Banerjee to reply as to how so hundreds of Sakhas are been allowed to come up in the State and why RSS mouthpiece went on record calling her Goddess Durga and claiming that democratic culture of the State had improved during her times,” she said.
Meanwhile, security was beefed up throughout the State including the State Capital to avert any kind of untoward incident with the Kolkata Police Commissioner on Sunday saying, “all the security arrangements are in place and there will be no disturbance.”
A senior IPS officer of the State Police said “commensurate to the Calcutta High Court directive … the police have been maintaining a strong vigil throughout the State and no attempt to provoke any disturbance will be allowed. Things will be monitored from Kolkata.”