The politics of West Bengal is currently standing at a crossroads, where less promises of ‘Sonar Bangla’ and more noise of ‘Dharma Yudh’ are being heard in the air. From the historic Brigade Parade Ground of Kolkata to the streets of Murshidabad, pieces have been laid out on the political chessboard. On one side there is ‘Geeta recitation’ coming from 5 lakh throats, while on the other side there is an ultimatum of ‘1 lakh people reciting Quran’. There is a lot of Hindu and Muslim happening. If anyone seems to be most trapped in this religious tug of war, it is Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
What happened at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Sunday was not normal. This ground has been witness to huge rallies of Leftists and TMC, but this time, under the banner of ‘Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad’, almost lakhs of people recited Shrimadbhagvadgita together. It is being claimed that there were 5 lakh Hindus in this crowd. There was presence of saints on the stage. Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Padmabhushan Sadhvi Ritambhara and Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Bageshwar Dham. But, the political meaning of this religious event became clear when the entire top leadership of Bengal BJP was seen present there. Union Minister Sukant Majumdar, Leader of Opposition Subhendu Adhikari and even Governor C.V. Anand Bose’s presence made it clear that this is not just a spiritual event, but a call for consolidation of the ‘Hindu Vote Bank’ for the 2024 and 2026 elections.
We will not make Ghazwa-e-Hind, but Saffron-e-Hind
The statements of Bageshwar Baba and Sadhvi Ritambhara added fuel to the fire. His message was clear… We do not want Ghazwa-e-Hind, but Bhagwa Hind. Sadhvi Ritambhara said, this nation belongs to Ram, will remain Ram’s and Dhirendra Shastri’s statement that those who comment on Ram will be banned is an attempt to woo the core voter of BJP who feels neglected in Mamata’s rule.
Double trouble for Mamta
While on one hand BJP is batting aggressively on the pitch of Hindutva, on the other hand, the biggest worry for Mamata Banerjee is becoming her own people. The announcement made by suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir has created a threat of breach in Mamata’s traditional ‘Muslim vote bank’.
Announcement of one lakh Quran lessons
Humayun Kabir’s statement – If Hindus are reciting Geeta, then we will make one lakh Muslims recite Quran, it is a direct attempt at counter polarization. Kabir has laid the foundation of building a mosque on the lines of ‘Babri Masjid’ in Murshidabad. His argument is that if a Ram temple can be built, then why not a mosque in the memory of Babri?
Why trouble for Mamta?
- If Mamta opposes Humayun Kabir, then the message will be sent to the Muslim community that ‘Didi’ is now on the path of soft Hindutva, due to which her core vote bank of Muslims can scatter towards Owaisi’s party AIMIM or ISF or leaders like Humayun Kabir.
- If Mamata remains silent then BJP will publicize that Mamata is appeasing and is against Hindus. This will further intensify the polarization of Hindu votes in favor of BJP.
Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary exposed
He is a powerful leader of Murshidabad. His statement that “Why is Mamta silent?” This shows that Congress also wants to regain its lost ground in TMC’s Muslim vote bank. They are cornering Mamata so that Muslim voters understand that Mamata is no longer the protector of their interests.
-Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary (Congress)There is no fault in building a temple or a mosque, but if they are building Babri Masjid to spread religious fanaticism, then it is wrong…
-Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister
After all, whose benefit is it?
Hindu Consolidation: Geeta recitation, Sadhvi Ritambhara’s fiery statement and slogans of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ are uniting the Hindu voters of Bengal (especially Dalits and OBCs, who are angry with TMC). The crowd at Brigade Ground is proof of this.
Division of votes: TMC’s ‘monopoly’ will be broken if Humayun Kabir and other Muslim leaders form a separate party or front. If TMC becomes weak in strongholds like Murshidabad and Malda, their power will be shaken.
Mamta’s problem: Mamta Banerjee is currently in a situation of a well here and a ditch there. BJP is bent on proving him ‘anti-Hindu’, and leaders like Humayun Kabir are trying to prove him ‘anti-Muslim’ or ‘weak protector’.
