With only one day left until the Lok Sabha elections begin, political parties in West Bengal have continued to engage in heated exchanges on social media platforms. In the midst of this, an incident of stone pelting at a Ram Navami procession has caused further tensions, with the Chief Minister accusing the BJP of instigating the violence. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has issued a message to party workers to fight against the RSS ideology.
Ram Navami 2024: Stone Pelting Incident During Procession Raises Tensions in West Bengal
Background
Ram Navami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In West Bengal, the festival is observed with great fervor and elaborate processions are organized throughout the state.
Current Events
On April 2, 2024, just a day before the commencement of the Lok Sabha elections, a stone pelting incident occurred during a Ram Navami procession in West Bengal's Asansol district. Several people were injured in the attack, which triggered widespread condemnation.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of instigating the violence to create communal tensions in the state. The BJP, however, denied the allegations and condemned the attack.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called upon party workers to fight against the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is the ideological parent of the BJP. Gandhi accused the RSS of spreading hatred and violence.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the significance of Ram Navami?
Ram Navami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Rama was born on this day to defeat the demon king Ravana.
2. What is the current political situation in West Bengal?
West Bengal is a politically polarized state, with the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP engaged in a fierce rivalry. The state is set to go to the polls for the Lok Sabha elections on April 3, 2024.
3. Who is responsible for the stone pelting incident during the Ram Navami procession?
The responsibility for the stone pelting incident is still a matter of investigation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP, while the BJP has denied involvement.
4. What is the RSS?
The RSS is a Hindu nationalist organization founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. It is the ideological parent of the BJP and is known for its strong belief in Hindutva, the political ideology that promotes the dominance of Hinduism in India.
5. What is the significance of Rahul Gandhi's call to fight against the RSS?
Rahul Gandhi's call to fight against the RSS is seen as a direct challenge to the BJP's Hindutva ideology. The Congress party has traditionally been associated with a secular ideology and Gandhi's statement is seen as an attempt to reassert the party's commitment to that principle.
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