RSS, BJP oppose Mamata Banerjee’s decision to restrict idol immersion in West Bengal

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s West Bengal unit has refused to abide by the decision of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to restrict immersion of idols on October 1 due to Muharram.

RSS said Hindus will immerse the idols of Durga and its government’s duty to ensure both Hindu and Muslims are able to perform their religious rituals.

“Hindus will immerse the idols following Shastra guidelines. It is the government’s duty to ensure both communities are able to perform their rituals as per religious guidelines. Hindus will immerse idols after 6 pm on Bijoya Dashami as the almanac allows it,” The Hindustan Times quoted Jisnu Basu, general secretary of RSS south Bengal as saying.

The statement from RSS came after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, to maintain peace and avoid possible clashes, ordered that no immersions will take place on October 1 due to Muharram.

“There will be no immersions on October 1 due to Muharram. However, immersions will resume on October 2 and continue till October 4 — the day before Lakshmi Puja.”

“This year Durga Puja and Muharram have fallen at the same time. We have to maintain peace during the festivals. I will ask the police to talk to puja and Muharram committees. Barricades will be set up at places where Muharram processions will be taken out so that processions of both communities do not mix up. The puja committees will have to play a vital role in this regard. You have to ensure that no untoward incident takes place. We will not allow anyone to incite riots,” she added.

The BJP accused Mamata of appeasing the minorities by putting restrictions on Hindu celebrations and said the party will move to Court against the order.