OPINION: After Ram Mandir Inaugural, Now Repercussion Politics In Bengal?

The Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony has become a hot topic of discussion not just in India but around the world. It has caught global attention in a true sense.

Not just in North India, people in South India, mainly in Karnataka, have celebrated the occasion. In East and North East India, the volume was not that great in comparison to the northern or western parts of India.

Whereas in West Bengal, the story is a little different from the rest of India. People have celebrated, but at the same time, there is a sharp division between the BJP and non-BJP in celebration. Those who celebrated are treated like BJP supporters or TMC haters.

BJP leaders in Bengal organised rallies and performed rituals on Ram Mandir Pratishtha ceremony day. TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has spearheaded the Sanhati rally with all religious leaders of the state, which comprises Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jain, and all. The message is clear: the BJP's culture is not known to Bengalis, so TMC will protest and try to protect Bengalis from it.

PM Narendra Modi urged people in India to light 'diyas' on the evening of the Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha day. Now, reports indicate that in many areas, individuals with nationalistic ideas considered lighting 'diyas' in the evening, but refrained from doing it fearing backlash from the TMC workers.

If 'diyas' are lit, their homes may be identified as BJP supporters', a tactic that local cadres or supporters might employ to disturb citizens. Additionally, there is concern about potential repercussions, such as the loss of government benefits received from the TMC government. While no such incidents have been reported, some political clashes occurred on the Jadavpur University campus between the ABVP and the Left Student Union.

Time and again, the TMC has denied allegations of attacking opponents or people with opposite ideologies. After TMC came to power, some sections of the party workers overdid many practices, which in fact harmed the party itself and the image of supremo Mamata Banerjee.

The BJP, after 2016, gradually became the main opposition party. In the 2021 assembly election, they proved their presence with 70 or more seats after the elections. Therefore, in the last few years, Hindu nationalism has spread across Bengal at a faster pace. Even the RSS, VHP, Bajranj Dal, and other Hindu organisations also made significant contributions for the growth of the saffron party. Therefore, it's a direct clash between two parties, the TMC and the BJP.

Interestingly, in many places in and around Kolkata, people have celebrated the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony. On Monday morning, multiple processions took place, and people performed puja in various parts. Later in the evening, many people lit lamps on their home balconies and workplaces.

CM Mamata Banerjee also performed puja, went to Gurudwara, and at last gave the message of unity and equality.

The TMC has always alleged that the BJP is spreading hatred and trying to divide the people of Bengal. Whereas the BJP says, TMC is doing appeasement politics, looking at the 30 per cent minority vote bank in the state.

Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has already declared that she will take on the in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

TMC is right now a part of the INDIA alliance, but veteran Mamata is keeping a safe distance from the Bengal Congress and Left parties.

Given the significant popularity of the TMC in the state, led by Mamata Banerjee, the BJP must carefully strategize for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Considering the demographic composition and prevailing mindset, the BJP may encounter obstacles unless they employ a robust Hindu-centric approach. This is crucial as the saffron party aims to secure as many seats as possible in Bengal.