By NISHAT ARA
In wake of Calcutta High Court’s decision striking down struck down West Bengal government’s order of prohibiting immersion of Durga idol after 10 PM on September 30 and October 1 on account of Muharram, Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee is facing flak from all quarters.
However, Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee claimed that it was not ‘appeasement’ but ‘administration’.
Political parties and groups including BJP, RSS, Bajrang Dal and VHP have accused the Chief Minister of indulging in appeasement politics. “The state government doesn’t have the right to decide when and how immersion will take place, it can only decide the routes for immersion. This administration, especially the CM, has no confidence in herself or in her administration. That’s why she is attacking our religious beliefs and introducing restrictions. If she has so little confidence, let her seek the centre’s help,” Dilip Ghosh state BJP president said.
However Mamata Banerjee warned the right-wing organisations asking them not to “play with fire.” She also added that few “mischievous people” have conspired and “misled others by making incorrect statements.”
After the Court directives, Mamata Banerjee held emergency meeting with senior police officials. She issued instructions to make arrangements as per Court’s directions. Later while inaugurating a Puja in south Kolkata a visibly enraged Chief Minister said the administration would work according to the Court’s instruction and trouble makers would be strongly dealt with.
Mamata Banerjee said that it was not ‘appeasement but administration’. She claimed that they have been handling Durga Puja and Muharram together for last five years and every time their government maintained peace and harmony. But for last few years, some political parties are trying to play dirty politics. They are conspiring against Bengal and spreading misinformation and she is always blamed for appeasement politics but she is not doing it for any religion but for people of the state.
However, it is better for the government if they demarcate routes for immersions and for processions so that these can take place simultaneously in peace and we see no clash between members of the two communities.
Earlier, Mamata Banerjee’s government had restricted Durga puja idol immersion timing from 10 pm on September 30, the day of Vijaya Dashami – and banned any immersions the next day, because of Muharram (Muslim’s festival) is on the same day, reasoning that the clash of the celebration processions might take place on the same routes. People have moved to court and filled petitions against the Mamata government. The Calcutta High Court on 21 September struck down West Bengal government’s order of prohibiting immersion of Durga idol after 10 PM on September 30 and October 1 on account of Muharram. In its order, the court allowed the immersion of idol till 12 am on all days including Muharram. It also asked the police to ensure routes are designated for immersion and Tazia, as reported by ANI.
(The writer is a student of Master in Journalism and Mass Communication, Aliah University)