Don't politicise Ram Navami, says Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday accused the BJP of politically using Ram Navami as their festival only. “Do not use Ram Navami as your programme. Please do not play with religious sentiment. Many religious organisations have been taking out rallies over the years on the occasion of Ram Navami,” she said at a programme in Bankura.

She alleged, “There is no relation of the festival with the BJP. Often, the word ‘Om’ is pasted on party flags. Is it your property or the party symbol? All of us pronounce the word ‘Om’. But who has allowed the BJP to use the word? Religious leaders can take the word. But does the BJP mean ‘Om’? Use this word at home, not at political rallies. Unless replace it as your party symbol to use it if you have the power.”

Ms Banerjee claimed that the God’s name was used in political rallies. She also complained about a nexus between the CPI(M) and the BJP. “Those who are a part of CPI(M) in the day become BJP people at night and vice versa,” she added.