Jyotirmay Singh Mahato, BJP MP from Purulia in West Bengal, has made an urgent appeal to Governor CV Ananda Bose, calling for decisive intervention to protect Hindus in the state, whom he claims face growing threats and intimidation. Mahato’s letter to the governor paints a troubling picture of the recent disruptions and alleged targeted violence surrounding Hindu festivals, especially during major celebrations like Durga Puja and Kali Puja. Describing these festivals as “not just celebrations, but a deep part of the Bengali Hindu identity,” Mahato alleged that the state has witnessed a series of incidents involving stone-pelting, physical confrontations, and other forms of disruption that hinder devotees from celebrating these revered occasions.
Mahato pointed to an incident in Kolkata’s Rajabazar area, where participants in a Kali Puja immersion procession were reportedly assaulted. The police allegedly dismissed the matter as a “parking dispute,” which Mahato argued illustrates a larger issue of administrative neglect or bias. He expressed that this perceived indifference exacerbates fears within the Hindu community, who feel their religious observances are increasingly under threat.
In his letter, Mahato made a stark comparison between the current situation in West Bengal and the turbulent conditions in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1990s, a period marked by severe instability when numerous Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave their homeland due to religiously motivated violence. Drawing this parallel, Mahato highlighted his fears that Bengal could face a similar wave of targeted aggression if the authorities do not act promptly to curb these rising tensions.
Mahato’s concerns extend to the realm of social media, where he claims anti-Hindu sentiments are being actively propagated. According to Mahato, inflammatory posts circulate widely on platforms like WhatsApp, with messages that celebrate anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh and even suggest bringing similar actions to Bengal. These posts, he argued, indicate a growing radicalization that is being ignored by the state administration. In his words, the administration’s “alarming silence” could signify either “willful ignorance or an intentional support of such divisive narratives.”
The Purulia MP urged the governor to ensure that Hindu festivals and religious observances can proceed without fear of violence, discrimination, or restrictive interference. He emphasized that the law enforcement agencies in Bengal must act impartially to uphold the rights of the Hindu community, respecting their cultural and religious practices in line with democratic principles. Mahato warned that without timely intervention, divisive forces could exploit these tensions further, potentially destabilizing the region. He called for strengthened security measures and a clear stance from the administration against any form of communal violence, asserting that such actions are essential to restoring the community’s faith in the state’s commitment to equality and justice.
