The Trinamool Congress's decision to hold a Shobha Yatra in West Bengal's Howrah on Ram Navami, led by prominent party members including Lok Sabha candidates Prasun Banerjee and Saayoni Ghosh, along with ministers Arup Roy and Manoj Tiwary, signifies a significant political move amidst the backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding the festival.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of the Calcutta High Court's granting of permission to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for a procession on Ram Navami in Howrah, albeit with certain conditions imposed to ensure a peaceful event.
The political landscape in West Bengal has been charged, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the ruling party of attempting to stifle Ram Navami celebrations, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned of potential riots and attributed responsibility to the BJP.
Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal have been marred by clashes since 2017, intertwining the festival with political dynamics in the state. Both the Trinamool Congress and the BJP have traded accusations of inciting violence during these events.
The West Bengal government's decision to declare a holiday on Ram Navami this year adds another layer to the political discourse, with the BJP criticizing the move as coming too late, especially in comparison to the state's handling of other significant dates such as the 'Pran Prathishtha' of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya.
Against this backdrop, the Trinamool Congress's planned Shobha Yatra not only underscores its engagement with religious festivities but also signals its intent to maintain a visible presence and potentially garner support amid the charged political atmosphere surrounding Ram Navami celebrations in the state.
