Mamata Banerjee criticizes the BJP for calling Ram Mandir a "political gimmick."

 

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attacked the BJP, accusing it of putting on a “gimmick show” with the Ram temple event in Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking at a public event in the South 24 Parganas district of Joynagar, Banerjee stated that she disagrees with segregating people along religious lines.

"I was questioned about Ram Mandir yesterday. I mentioned that while religion is personal to each individual, celebrations are shared by everybody. I support celebrations that bring together members of various communities, promote inclusivity, and emphasize unity. Building the Ram temple is being done as per the court's directive. Before the elections, Prime Minister Modi will perform a gimmick show. I don't object. However, nobody cares about it.

Keshav Prasad Maurya, the BJP leader and deputy chief minister for Uttar Pradesh, responded to this by saying that people who were not involved in the Ram Janmabhoomi celebration "can never understand the significance of the temple."

Banerjee also declared that on January 22, she will host an interfaith rally in Kolkata.

I would like to inform you now that I will be making my first solo visit to the Kali Mandir on that day. After that, I'll lead an ecumenical procession from Hazra to Park Circus Maidan, where I'll also host a gathering. Along the route, we will visit churches, mosques, temples, and gurdwaras. You're all invited to come along," she said.

The party has been charged by the BJP for showing "brazen disregard for Hindu sentiments."