No Durga idol immersion on Muharram in Bengal : Mamata Banerjee clears it again
"We've said that there will be no Durga idol immersion on Ekadashi, October 1, as Muharram is scheduled to be observed on the same day. There are four more days, September 30 (Vijaya Dashami) and October 2-4, for immersion," Mamata Banerjee said during a press conference here at state secretariat Nabanna.
"BJP's job is to trigger violence and to design conspiracy over religious issues. They don't want people enjoy festivals peacefully and happily," she said.
Warning the BJP, RSS and other right wing outfits, Mamata Banerjee said, "Strict action will be taken if anyone tries to organize Dashami rally with weapons/arms."
While hearing a writ petition filed challenging state government's decision to restrict Durga idol immersion, Calcutta HC's acting Chief Justice Nishita Mhatre observed that Mumbai Police handle such situation very well.
Criticizing Chief Justice's statement, Mamata Banerjee said, "Some people are saying that Mumbai Police handle such situations very well. If Muharram and Durga puja were celebrated simultaneously in Mumbai, could Mumbai Police handle that?"
"Durga puja is a major festival of Bengal. Nowhere except West Bengal, Durga puja is celebrated in such a huge manner," she added.
Earlier on Aug 23, after holding a meeting with Durga puja organizers in Kolkata, CM Mamata Banerjee declared a curb on Durga idol immersion on Bijoya Dashami, Sept 30, after 6 pm. and on Ekadashi (Oct 1) whole day for Muharram processions.
Challenging the decision, at least two petitions have been filed in the Calcutta High Court which are scheduled to be heard on Monday (Sep 18) and Wednesday (Sept 20).
Last year, the state government put same restrictions on Durga idol immersion for Muhharam and few puja organizers moved to Calcutta High Court against the decision.
The High Court slammed the state government for the announcement and granted additional time to the petitioners for idol immersion.
(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)
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