In the midst of heightened security measures, the Ram Navami festivities in Murshidabad, West Bengal, were marred by violence. The tumultuous events in the district, near the border with Bangladesh, ranged from stone-pelting to a bomb explosion that left several individuals, including a woman, injured as celebrants sought shelter from the disturbances.
So far, three individuals have been detained following the incident, and three others were critically injured in the bomb assault. They have been admitted to Berhampore Hospital. The situation grew more tense when Congress leader and Lok Sabha contender from Berhampore, Adhir Chowdhury, visited the hospital to check on the wounded individuals at Murshidabad Medical College.
Upon Chowdhury’s arrival, he was met with calls for his departure, which seemed to unsettle him. This led to a confrontation between Congress and BJP activists. Additionally, Murshidabad District BJP President Shakharov Sarkar was allegedly hurt and later accused Chowdhury of shoving him.
The tension escalated on Thursday, prompting the deployment of central forces and the police to secure the area. Section 144 was enforced, curbing the movement of residents.
The BJP blamed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s incendiary speeches for exacerbating the situation. Murshidabad is set to hold elections on May 4 during the third phase of polling.
Reports indicate around 20 people sustained injuries in Murshidabad’s Shaktipur. Several shops in the Manikyahar area were also looted, while miscreants allegedly hurled stones at a procession from a rooftop in Shaktipur.
Sources revealed that explosive devices were lobbed at a protest march of local residents. In parallel, looting reportedly occurred openly in various shops. As the atmosphere grew volatile, security forces were stationed in the area.
Early reports suggested that a total of 20 individuals were wounded in the Shaktipur incident. A woman suffered severe injuries and was transported to Murshidabad Medical College Hospital. The remaining injured were taken to Karnasubarna Hospital, including two children.
A blast transpired near a procession in Murshidabad’s Shaktipur area, harming a woman, according to police. She was taken to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital. The BJP claimed that police remained passive as stones were thrown at a Ram Navami procession.
“The state police were responsible for upholding law and order. We call upon the Election Commission to take strict measures against the police officers involved,” stated BJP state general secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay.
Police refrained from commenting on the event. The TMC accused the BJP of igniting tensions ahead of the elections. “The BJP is attempting to incite riots in anticipation of the elections. We denounce these acts of violence, which are instigated by the BJP,” declared TMC leader Shantanu Sen.
The Hindu Jagran Manch and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) had previously planned over 5,000 events across the state for the occasion. “Hindu unity transcends politics, it is about devotion to Lord Ram,” remarked VHP’s national assistant secretary Sachindranath Singha.
Leaders from both TMC and BJP utilized the opportunity to connect with voters ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended greetings to the people on the occasion. “Warm wishes to all on the propitious occasion of Ram Navami. Let’s strive for peace, prosperity, and development for all,” she expressed on X.
Leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari joined a Ram Navami procession in New Town near Kolkata and Uluberia in Howrah. State minister Arup Roy and TMC candidate Prasun Banerjee participated in a similar procession in Howrah town.
In Barrackpore, BJP candidate Arjun Singh led a grand Ram Navami procession. Comparable processions, resonating with chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and rhythmic drumming, were observed in Bankura, Purulia, Durgapur, Asansol, and Barasat.
Despite the administration’s ban, participants in Ram Navami processions in Howrah and Durgapur wielded traditional arms. BJP’s Howrah nominee Rathin Chakraborty and Bardhaman-Durgapur candidate Dilip Ghosh stated it was part of the rituals.
TMC’s Jadavpur candidate Sayaani Ghosh spearheaded a Ram Navami rally in the district. “We prioritize peaceful worship and eschew displays of force,” she remarked. TMC’s Birbhum MP Satabdi Roy, seeking re-election, also led a Ram Navami rally in her district. Meanwhile, Jadavpur University, managed by the state, withdrew permission granted to the RSS-affiliated ABVP for Ram Navami celebrations on campus amid protests from Left-supported student groups. CPI(M) leader Tanmay Bhattacharya accused both BJP and TMC of engaging in “competitive communalism,” deeming it detrimental to the state.
He mentioned that Ram Navami was not celebrated with such grandeur in the state until recent years. The festivities gained prominence after 2016, paralleling the rise of the BJP in the state. Previous years, including 2017, 2018, and 2023, saw communal clashes during Ram Navami celebrations.
