Days after assuming office, the BJP government in West Bengal has triggered political debate after BJP MLA Arjun Singh stated that namaz would no longer be allowed on roads and public streets in the state.
Speaking to India Today TV about the early decisions taken by the new government, Singh said the administration had already issued strict directives related to public order, illegal activities, and religious gatherings on roads.
“The CM has given many orders during the Cabinet meeting. Namaz will not be allowed in the streets. Let them pray at mosques, but on the streets, it won’t be tolerated,” Arjun Singh said.
The BJP leader further indicated that the state government would rely on existing judicial directives while implementing the restrictions.
Referring specifically to the long-standing Eid prayers conducted on Kolkata’s Red Road, Singh asserted that such public gatherings would no longer be permitted under the new administration.
“Such a thing won’t be seen. These are court orders,” he said.
Red road eid namaz had sparked controversy earlier
The issue of Eid namaz at Kolkata’s Red Road had become politically sensitive last year after the Indian Army initially denied permission for Eid prayers to be held at the site, citing military use of the area.
Red Road, which stretches from the Netaji Statue to the entrance of Fort William, the headquarters of the Eastern Command, falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence.
However, days later, the Army modified its training schedule to allow Eid al-Adha prayers to take place at the venue, triggering political reactions and debate.
The BJP has repeatedly criticised the practice of offering prayers on public roads and had raised the issue prominently during the West Bengal Assembly election campaign.
Crackdown on cattle smuggling and stone pelting
The new government has also announced strict action against cattle smuggling and stone-pelting incidents, both of which were repeatedly highlighted by the BJP during the election campaign.
When asked whether cattle smuggling would continue under the BJP regime, Arjun Singh said:
“Action will be taken against those smugglers found doing cattle smuggling. Stone pelting won’t be allowed.”
The statement comes amid a series of administrative directives reportedly issued by the new government targeting illegal cattle trade and smuggling networks operating across border districts.
On Monday (May 11), police officials were instructed to shut down all unauthorised cattle markets with immediate effect. Border districts and other sensitive areas have also reportedly been placed under heightened surveillance to dismantle smuggling routes and networks.
The BJP had consistently accused leaders of the All India Trinamool Congress of having links to cattle smuggling syndicates operating in the state.
The issue gained major political traction after central agencies investigated senior TMC figures, including Birbhum leader Anubrata Mondal, in connection with alleged cattle smuggling cases.
BJP government begins implementing poll promises
The latest announcements are being viewed as the first visible steps by the new BJP government to implement its election promises after coming to power in West Bengal.
The BJP had campaigned heavily on issues related to border security, illegal infiltration, law and order, religious appeasement, cattle smuggling, and political violence during the Assembly elections.
Further administrative decisions taken by the Suvendu Adhikari government on these issues are likely to trigger intense political and legal debates in the coming weeks.
