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In a significant move ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government declared Ram Navami a public holiday. Its notification was issued on Saturday.
“In pursuance of this Department Notification No. 6112-F (P2) dated 09/11/2023, the Governor is pleased to declare 17 April 2024 (Wednesday) as a public holiday on the occasion of 'Ram Navami' under section 25 . Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881,” a notification issued by the Bengal Finance Department said.
The announcement assumes significance as the eastern state has witnessed several incidents of violence during Ram Navami celebrations in the last few years. On the other hand, Durga Puja and Kali Puja have always been important public holidays in West Bengal.
The Trinamool Congress government's announcement has triggered a series of reactions from its main rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state as it comes just days before Mamata's party is set to launch its campaign for the general elections. Is.
Calling the announcement an attempt to cash in on its anti-Hindu image ahead of the elections, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said it was too late for someone who would turn blue just by the slogan of 'Jai Shri Ram' . She also asked whether she would ensure the safety of all the devotees on the occasion.
It is noteworthy that last year there was large-scale violence during the Ram Navami procession in Dalkhola, North Dinajpur in Bengal.
“Mamata Banerjee, who used to turn blue with anger every time she heard 'Jai Shri Ram', has declared Ram Navami (April 17) a public holiday in West Bengal. He has done this to capitalize on his anti-Hindu image. Although it is too late… More importantly, they have to ensure that there is no stone pelting at the Ram Navami procession. Is he?” Malviya wrote on Twitter:
Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, welcomed the announcement, saying, “Cats do not climb trees without a push.”
“Time is changing! This is the first time that the state government has declared a holiday in the honor of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ramchandra on the ninth date of Shuklapaksha of Chaitra month. I had criticized the state government for not declaring a holiday on Ram Navami in January, today the state government was forced to declare a holiday,” he wrote on social media.
Earlier this year, a major political row had erupted between TMC and BJP after the state government released the list of public holidays celebrated in West Bengal.
Accusing the Mamata Banerjee government of “appeasement politics”, Suvendu Adhikari repeatedly questioned why there were no holidays on some of the most prominent Hindu festivals like Makar Sankranti and Ram Navami.
The BJP leader hit out at TMC for declaring a holiday for 'Shab-e-Barat' but not for Makar Sankranti and Ram Navami.