BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari (Right)
Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari stated on March 14 that over one crore Hindus would participate in nearly 2,000 Ram Navami rallies across West Bengal on April 6. Speaking at an event in his Nandigram constituency in Purba Medinipur district, Adhikari urged organisers not to seek official permission for the rallies, emphasising, “We do not need permission to pray to Bhagwan Ram.”
He added, “Last year, around 50,000 Hindus participated in 1,000 Ram Navami rallies. This year, no less than one crore Hindus will take to the streets in 2,000 rallies across the state.” As the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Adhikari assured that the rallies would be peaceful and stated, “It is the administration’s responsibility to ensure others remain peaceful too,” without naming any specific community. He also announced that a Ram Mandir would be constructed at Sonachura in his constituency by the end of the year.
The Ram Navami rallies last year saw an overwhelming response, with large numbers of devotees gathering in different parts of the state to celebrate the occasion. In several districts, especially in areas like North and South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, and Howrah, processions were held with great fervour. The rallies were marked by devotional chanting, music, and a display of vibrant cultural performances as people took to the streets to celebrate Bhagwan Ram’s birthday. The state police took adequate measures to ensure law and order, and security was beefed up in areas where large gatherings were expected. The local administration worked closely with the rally organisers to ensure a smooth event, with the majority of participants abiding by the rules and respecting the public peace.
