Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Ram Navami celebrations a battleground for BJP, TMC in West Bengal. Here's how

Ram Navami has emerged as a political battleground for the BJP and TMC in West Bengal, as both parties gear up for celebrations amidst heightened tensions. The , led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is set to hold a Shobha Yatra in Howrah, even as the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) secured permission for a procession.

TMC's rally will be led by Prasun Banerjee, the party’s Lok Sabha candidate from Howrah Lok Sabha seat. Party's Jadavpur candidate Sayoni Ghosh and ministers Arup Roy and Manoj Tiwary will also attend the Yatra.

Earlier, the Calcutta High Court granted the (VHP) permission to hold a procession on Ram Navami in Howrah.

Over the years, Ram Navami celebrations have grown significantly, with rallies escalating into political face-offs and even riots in West Bengal. Earlier, the state that would witness major celebrations only during Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Saraswati Puja.

The Ram Navami celebrations have often led to a political blame game. On April 16, during an election rally in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi the ruling Trinamool Congress of plotting to halt the Ram Navami festivities in the state.

Chief Minister responded by alleging that the BJP was planning to instigate riots in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

On April 17, Banerjee extended wishes to people on Ram Navami, Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ram, while appealing for maintaining peace, prosperity and development for all.

The 42 Lok Sabha seats of West Bengal will vote in all seven phases beginning April 19. In 2019, TMC, which is in power in the state, won 22 of the 42 seats. The (BJP) won 18 seats while the Congress won two seats.

Ram Navami, once celebrated in limited pockets, gained significance in