West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today addressed the crowd thronged at the mega all-faith religious rally held in Park Circus Maidan, Kolkata. Hinting at the demolition of the Babri Masjid and the subsequent riots that led to the killing of thousands, the chief minister asked the people: “How can we embrace a place of worship built over dead bodies of innocents?”
While the BJP is busy celebrating its “politised temple inauguration,” as per many opposition parties, the Trinamool Congress conducted an interfaith rally on the Ram temple inauguration day (today), to reinforce what it says is its mission to celebrate the unity of diverse faiths in India.
Reaffirming its commitment to the secular fabric of the nation, TMC took to social media, asserting that it would take to the streets when anytime any force tries to threaten India”s secular character.
“Anytime any force tries to threaten the secular thread of this nation, we will take to the streets whether it was during the 34 years of CPI(M) rule or 10 years of Modi rule,” AITC’s X post reads.
“How can we embrace a place of worship built over dead bodies of innocents?” – Smt @MamataOfficial
Today, Smt Mamata Banerjee undertook the Sanhati Rally, addressing thousands of people who joined in the mission to celebrate the unity of diverse faiths that make our country… pic.twitter.com/bPHnYScjJw
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) January 22, 2024
The mega rally that started from Hazra, and ended in Park Circus Maidan, drew thousands from across the state. In her address after concluding the event, the chief minister asked the people of the state not to give even a single seat to BJP in West Bengal. “I tell those who are trying to divide people based on religion, it’s easy to light a fire but it is difficult to douse a flame. Not one seat should be given to the BJP in this state”
Affirming that she has respect for Lord Ram and Sita, the chief minister alleged that the BJP never uttered the name Sita, asking if the party is anti-women.
“Are they anti-women? There would not have been a Ram without a Sita, without Kashalya who gave birth to him. Yet Sita had to enter Pataal to pass her chastity test,” Banerjee said.
Saying that she is not against Lord Ram, the chief minister said that she only objects to the diktats on what to wear and what to eat coming from majoritarian political groups
However, Mrs Banerjee asked the people of Bengal to take leading initiatives to save the country from the divisive politics of the current Indian scenario. The harmony march, attended by the religious leaders from across the community and the TMC leaders became a symbol of hope amid the rising majoritarianism