Kolkata, West Bengal – Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma strongly criticized the Trinamool Congress-led government in West Bengal, condemning the recent attack on monks and priests in the state and calling for decisive action against the perpetrators.
Sarma, who was in Kolkata at the time, expressed his dismay at the targeting of members of the ‘Sanatan Hindu Dharma’ in West Bengal. The incident in question involved three monks who were reportedly assaulted by a violent mob in Purulia district while on their way to Gangasagar Mela, over suspicion of being kidnappers in disguise.
The Assam CM urged the ruling TMC to swiftly address the matter, emphasizing the concerning rise of political violence in West Bengal and the specific targeting of venerable sadhus. He also highlighted his personal experience of being subjected to heavy stone-pelting in the state, indicating a broader trend of escalating hostility.
In response to the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, Sarma framed the event as a symbolic moment for the resurgence of Hindu civilization. He dismissed allegations that the BJP was exploiting Lord Ram for political gain, emphasizing the party’s commitment to respecting all religions while staunchly opposing any attempts to diminish the significance of Hindu deities.
Amidst allegations that opposition parties such as the TMC have espoused an anti-Hindu stance under the guise of secularism, Sarma iterated that true secularism does not equate to anti-Hindu sentiment. He emphasized the need for mutual respect and understanding across religious lines, pointing to the support and well-wishes received from Muslims regarding the upcoming Ram Temple ceremony.
The attack on the sadhus in West Bengal and the larger debate surrounding religious tolerance and secularism continue to drive the conversation around political and social dynamics in the region, highlighting the complex interplay of faith, politics, and communal relations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by religious and political tensions, as well as the ongoing efforts to navigate and bridge these divides.