As assembly elections are coming closer in West Bengal, the political atmosphere in the state is heating up. On February 10, West Bengal police arrested Amanish Iyer, General Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Srirampur Jila. He was arrested allegedly for wearing and distributing masks with “Jai Shri Ram” written on them.
https://twitter.com/TajinderBagga/status/1359544054191509504?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwDuring his arrest, Iyer alleged that chanting the name of Shri Ram in West Bengal has become crime. If you chant the name of Ram, police come to arrest. He further added, “Chanting Ram Chandra’s name is today a crime. Today in Bengal, the anti-Hindu government, understand their state. I urge Bengalis, give an answer to Trinamool government in 2021. This anti-Hindu government wants to turn Bengal into Bangladesh. We will protect Bharatiya Sanskriti, Bengal culture. We, the bhakts of Lord Ram and nationalists will save Bengal. Bharat Mata ki Jai.”
Attacks on BJP in Bengal
BJP has been under continuous attack by state machinery and TMC goons. In the last few months, several attacks on BJP’s rallies and convoys have happened. ON January 20, TMC’s Madan Mitra threatened BJP during a rally and said if BJP eyes on West Bengal, they will get chopped. He said, “Those from BJP listen, ‘doodh maango to kheer denge, agar Bengal maango toh chiir denge’ (if you ask for milk, we will give you kheer, But if you ask for Bengal, we will rip you off).”
On January 5, senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya’s convoy was attacked by TMC workers. The incident took place during a roadshow that was scheduled from Orphanganj Road to the BJP headquarters in Kolkata. When the procession crossed the Watganj area, BJP’s convoy came under a volley of stones and shoes, hurled by TMC workers from an adjoining stage. On January 4, BJP’s Krishnendu Mukherjee was attacked by a gunman. He narrowly escaped an onslaught of bullets in Asansol, West Bengal. Mukherjee had to lock himself in the car to ensure his safety.