Hooghly, 07 November (H.S.): Differences between two BJP legislators from Hooghly have surfaced over the organisation of the traditional Ram Mohan Mela. Khanakul MLA Sushanta Ghosh and Pursurah MLA Biman Ghosh have taken contrasting positions regarding the dates and leadership of the fair, triggering political speculation across the subdivision.

Khanakul MLA Sushanta Ghosh has already convened a meeting regarding the fair and announced that the Ram Mohan Mela will be organised from January 6 to 12. Preparations for a marathon race, associated with the event, have also reportedly begun under his initiative.

However, on Friday, addressing a Vijaya Sammilani programme organised on the premises of Ram Mohan College, Pursurah MLA Biman Ghosh appeared to contradict Sushanta Ghosh's announcement. He stated that the dates of the fair would be finalised only after discussions with the Chief Minister. His statement has sparked fresh speculation over the organisation and leadership of the event.

The historic fair had remained discontinued during the Trinamool Congress regime. After the BJP came to power in the state, the party leadership announced plans to revive the traditional event.

According to the established convention, the MLAs of Khanakul and Pursurah take charge as the president and secretary, respectively, and jointly oversee the organisation of the fair. However, the contrasting positions taken by the two legislators this year have raised questions about the future arrangements.

Reacting to Biman Ghosh's statement, Sushanta Ghosh maintained that the fair has traditionally been organised from January 6 to 12 and would follow the same schedule this year. He further asserted that the event would be organised under the initiative of the Khanakul Assembly constituency.

The fairground is geographically located close to the boundary between the Khanakul and Pursurah Assembly constituencies. This has further complicated the situation, with questions emerging over whether the Pursurah MLA and his supporters will step aside from their traditional responsibilities or whether the differences will escalate into an open confrontation.

The key questions now are when the Ram Mohan Mela will be held and who will ultimately lead its organisation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey