BJP’s Rama Navami pandal attacked in West Bengal, TMC blamed

A Rama Navami pandal set up by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers was vandalised by unidentified miscreants in Bardhman in West Bengal on Saturday night. The BJP has alleged that the pandal was attacked by members of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

At least four persons got injured. An investigation into the incident has been launched by the police.

West Bengal: 4 injured after a #RamaNavami pandal set up by BJP workers was attacked by miscreants in Bardhaman last night. BJP alleged that TMC was behind the incident. Police investigation underway. pic.twitter.com/WBP4LrrmJ4 — ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2018

This comes days after a war of words was triggered by a statement of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over arms display during Rama Navami processions. While earlier she said that no organisation would be allowed to flash arms during the processions across the state, the TMC chief later retracted saying, “only organisations that carry out traditional processions with arms for the last 10-12 years will be allowed”.

"I know that there are only a couple of organisations in Howrah and Asansol which traditionally hold Rama Navami processions with arms. Those who have been celebrating Ram Navami for more than a decade will be given special permission to hold processions with arms," the Chief Minister said.

"Do not allow anybody who is trying to hold such processions for the first time. We are not against organisations holding Ram Navami processions but they have to be peaceful," she had clarified.

Banerjee had asked Director General of Police Surajit Kar Purkayastha to be on alert and encourage locals, including civic volunteers, clubs and NGOs, as well as the youth to get information on anybody trying to disrupt peace during the celebrations by spreading canards or committing mischief.

"Hooliganism will not be allowed. Take strong immediate action against those trying to disrupt peace. Be it anybody, do not spare them. Do not compromise," she had said.

Urging the media to cooperate with the administration by providing information about anyone trying to disturb peace during the celebrations, Banerjee had said those who gave correct information about communal incidents should be awarded.