The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has hailed Trinamool Congress’ decision of celebrating Ram Navami this year as a moral victory for the saffron organization. Last year, Mamata Banerjee had slammed the BJP for trying to hijack the festival for their political agenda. She had said then, “It has nothing to do with you (BJP). Don’t try claiming Ram Navami as your own programme.” However, earlier this month, the party had declared that it will celebrate Ram Navami this year in Birbhum with a massive procession.
The general secretary of the RSS in South Bengal stated, “It is a moral victory for the RSS that the ruling party is also saying that they want to celebrate Ram Navami. We welcome this decision.” He went on to add, “Last year, we had seen how activists of various Hindutva organisations were arrested for observing Ram Navami in the state. It is good that they have realised their mistake.” West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh said, “Last year, Ram Navami celebration (of BJP) was a great success. This time too it will be a great success.”
In the aftermath of Ram Navami last year, FIRs were lodged against several members of the BJP and RSS, including Dilip Ghosh. Mamata Banerjee had accused the RSS and the BJP of playing ‘divisive politics’ for celebrating the festival with great fervour. But, with the rise of saffron organizations in the state and worried of its image as a minority appeasing party, Trinamool Congress, like Rahul Gandhi, is catering to Hindu sentiments to maintain her hold on power.