BJP leader Dilip Ghosh on Saturday justified the reportedly armed processions of Ram Navami across West Bengal. Addressing a gathering in Kharagpur, Ghosh rejected criticism over weapon-carrying rallies, saying that it was the right of the Hindu community to defend itself.

He stated, “In such a scenario, if Hindus go out to defend themselves, how can it be a crime? What is the crime if a person carries arms?”

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Ghosh has called the arms symbolic, never meant for the use of violence, and that their exhibition while participating in religious processions were not illegal.

Ghosh Accuses Targeting of Hindu Community

The BJP chief further accused the Hindus in West Bengal of facing threats. “Temples have been desecrated, gods have been plundered, pandals have been torched,” he claimed, citing what he alleges as selective targeting of the community.

Ghosh stressed, “It is the responsibility of the police to see that the celebrations are peaceful. The Hindu community observes the festival according to their customs, there should be no trouble with this.”

Armed Rallies Reported Despite Restrictions

Reports from Malda and Howrah districts reported the open exhibition of weapons during Ram Navami rallies. In Malda, swords were reported during a procession that had come from the Ramakrishna Palli Maidan, even after prohibitory orders were imposed.

In Sankrail, Howrah, participants reportedly took out weapons without police sanction, a step that may invite legal action, reports India Today.

TMC Reacts to BJP Leader’s Comments

Responding to Ghosh’s comments, Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen was concerned about the development. “I have never witnessed such a large police force for Ram Navami earlier, but now the police need to be on their guard,” she said.

Police on High Alert Amid Mounting Tensions

Authorities increased security arrangements to provide peace in the celebrations. Over 5,000 police officers were stationed throughout Kolkata, and areas of sensitivity were given priority attention by Quick Response Teams.

CCTV cameras and UAVs were deployed to cover the processions and monitor any acts of disturbance. The police assured that they would keep close watch during the celebrations to avoid violence.

Calcutta High Court Intervenes

The BJP charged the Trinamool Congress government with preventing Ram Navami processions, and the Calcutta High Court intervened. The court directed the state government to permit peaceful processions in Howrah and other areas.

During the celebrations of Ram Navami, the political discourse in West Bengal took a return course to communal sensitivity, law and order, and divergent readings of freedom of religion.