Peaceful Ram Navami March in Bengal Sparks Political Clash

KOLKATA: Thousands of people took part in the Ram Navami Shobha Yatra in Barasat on Sunday. Political leaders, artists, and citizens from different communities joined the peaceful celebration.

Mithun Urges Sanatani Pride

BJP leader and actor Mithun Chakraborty led the yatra along with party supporters. He encouraged people to feel proud of their Sanatani identity.

“This is the day of Lord Ram. Sanatanis have come together, and we must proudly say who we are,” said Mithun.

He responded sharply to TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, who said the event showed Mamata Banerjee’s model of unity.

“You must be joking. They keep blaming BJP for violence. Look around. More than a lakh walked peacefully today. So where is the violence?” Mithun asked.

TMC Highlights Unity

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh praised the event’s diverse crowd. He said it reflected Bengal’s spirit of harmony.

“In Bengal, all communities celebrate together. We join Eid, and Muslims joined Ram Navami today. That’s the Bengal model Mamata Banerjee believes in,” he said.

BJP Leaders Join Across Districts

BJP leaders joined processions in different parts of Bengal. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar and Mithun Chakraborty walked in Barasat. Suvendu Adhikari joined the celebrations in Purba Medinipur.

Adhikari criticized TMC, saying, “Hindus came out in large numbers. TMC often insults Hindu values. Today proves them wrong.”

Muslim Youths Offer Support

Several young Muslim men supported the march. They stood along the route with water bottles and flowers.

Rustam Alam, a local youth, said, “We welcomed the Ram Navami procession. We want peace between both communities. This is how festivals should be celebrated.”