CPI-M calls for all-party meeting over Ram Navami issue in Bengal

An unprecedented 200 plus rallies were organised across West Bengal to mark Ram Navmi celebrations by different affiliates of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Kolkata, April 6: Terming the armed rallies organised by the Sangh Parivar throughout West Bengal on the occasion of Ram Navmi as 'highly alarming' and 'unacceptable', CPI-M's state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra on Thursday appealed to the Mamata Banerjee government to call an all-party meeting to counter any possible hostility.

"Ram Navmi is observed in our state for long. There is no problem with that. But what happened yesterday in the name of Ram is not acceptable. We demand the state government discuss the matter in details and if they are unable to handle the situation well, they should call an all-party meeting. That was done before in the state and should be done again to counter any possible friction in the society," Mishra said at a media meet here.

An unprecedented 200 plus rallies were organised across West Bengal to mark Ram Navmi celebrations by different affiliates of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, where thousands of Hindu activists including school children were seen marching on the roads brandishing sticks and sharp weapons.

Accusing the state government of not taking adequate steps against the RSS training camps in the state, Mishra said the politics of polarisation and violence is landing Bengal in an alarming situation.

"Everyone is aware of the camps organised by the Sangh Parivar and the kind of training that is given there. The state government is aware of all of this but they did not take any steps to stop that in spite of several complaints by our party. Now, a group is trying to portray themselves as Ram where others are pretending to be Lord Ram's follower Hanuman. This is a very alarming situation," he said referring to the 'Hanuman puja' organised by Trinamool Congress in Birbhum to counter the Sangh Parivar's elaborate Ram Navmi celebrations.

The veteran Left leader also warned the people of the state not to pay heed to the rumours and unite against the politics of polarisation.

"This is a path of destruction and dismay. We appeal to the people of the state not to walk this path. Also staying silent and inactive at the time of crisis is a crime.The attack on our country, our state, our constitution and our culture is an attack on all of us. People have to come out irrespective of their political affiliation and unite to fight against this crisis," Mishra said.

"We appeal to the people of the state not to get influenced by rumours and unite to counter any form of communal tension. Meetings and rallies can be conducted for peace and harmony, not for creating hostility in the society," he added.

Mishra also appealed to all Left workers to join the rally convened by a section of the civil society on Friday against threats and fatwas issued by religious fundamentalists of all hues and the attack on democratic rights.

IANS