Kolkata, 28 March (H.S.):

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday accused the BJP of instigating violence during Ram Navami processions in West Bengal, describing the party as one of “rioters”.

Addressing a poll rally in Labhpur in Birbhum district, the TMC national general secretary said Bengal has traditionally celebrated all festivals in a peaceful and harmonious manner.

“Do you hear of riots or clashes during Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Jagaddhatri Puja, Eid, Chhath Puja, Christmas or Jain processions? Then why is a pious occasion like Ram Navami being used to incite violence?” he said.

His remarks come against the backdrop of clashes reported on Friday in parts of Murshidabad district during Ram Navami processions, where incidents of stone-pelting, vandalism and arson were reported. Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Raghunathganj and Jangipur, and around 30 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.

Without directly referring to the incident, Banerjee alleged that BJP leaders and their affiliated organisations bring in “outsiders” to such processions, who allegedly brandish weapons and consume alcohol in public.

The Diamond Harbour MP said, “Why do reports of violence surface only during Ram Navami when BJP leaders and their associates are present? Bengal has a tradition of communal harmony.”

He also claimed that the BJP was rejected by the people of Ayodhya in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and asserted that the party would face a similar outcome in West Bengal and other poll-bound states.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey