This refers to the editorial, “Costly appeasement” (September 23). West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cries conspiracy and suspects foul play every time she is in the dock. The Union Government, the Central Bureau of Investigation and the judiciary are her favourite targets. As an elected Chief Minister, Banerjee is duty-bound to protect religious freedom of all communities without being selective. Perhaps, Banerjee has conveniently forgotten that India came a long way from religious animosities among different communities. People of all communities have learnt to celebrate each other's festivals with cordiality and mutual respect sans animosity. Banerjee's attempt to create communal distinction and anticipate violence, when there is none, is shocking.
Governments have to provide adequate leeway to all religions without indulging in pacification of a community or caste. As beautifully put by the Calcutta High Court, nobody can “stop the calendar”. In India, festivals are routine and the Government cannot modify them to suit its end. It is unfortunate that Banerjee has deliberately ignored the world of difference between regulation and prevention for vote-bank politics. An elected State Government is duty-bound to supervise the societal rituals; it cannot supplant them. Banerjee's open agenda of appeasement is as pathetic as her penchant to dare and defy the judiciary by bringing in fresh Government orders on the issue.