Mamata warns VHP, Bajrang Dal, RSS against disturbing peace

Kolkata, Sep. 16 (IANS): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday issued a stern warning to right wing organisations including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal and RSS against disturbing peace in the state during the upcoming Durga puja festival, asking them not to “play with fire”. Her comments came a day after the VHP announced its decision to organise “sashtra pujan” (weapon worship) during Bijoya Dashami in the state, despite Banerjee’s directive to police to prevent any such programme. “Whoever it is, whether it’s you or I, Trinamool Congress, Congress, CPI-M, BJP... I will not spare anyone who orchestrates riots. Politics should be done with politics. Those who cannot do politics with politics they go for CBI, ED, riots, conspiracy. This is their game plan,” Banerjee said. Banerjee reiterated that there would be no Durga puja immersions on Ashura or the 10th day of Muharram (October 1). The Trinamool Congress supremo said any rally with weapons is illegal and such processions won’t be permitted during the immersion. Massive rallies were organised by RSS and its affiliates like Hindu Jagran Manch across the eastern state on April 5 in grandiose Ram Navami celebrations which saw thousands of Hindu activists, including school children, walking on the road brandishing sticks and sharp weapons. She also urged the Muslim community to take out their processions peacefully during Muharram.