In a public address in Joynagar, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee vocalized her criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on January 9, 2024. Accusing the BJP of orchestrating a “gimmick show,” Banerjee characterized the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as a pre-election strategy ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
During her address, Banerjee emphasized the significance of festivals that bring people together and expressed concern about the BJP allegedly disregarding communities beyond its own support base. The Chief Minister stated, “Do whatever you want; you are doing a gimmick before the elections. I have no problem, but disregarding people of other communities is not right.”
Banerjee, known for her strong stance on inclusivity, asserted, “I will never allow discrimination between Hindus and Muslims as long as I live.” She criticized the BJP’s timing of the Ram Mandir inauguration, suggesting that the event is conducted under court instructions but strategically timed as a political move before the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
The inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is scheduled for January 22, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and more than 6,000 attendees are expected to participate in the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony.
Meanwhile, as the Lok Sabha Elections draw near, discussions between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are underway regarding a seat-sharing formula. While no official announcement has been made, reports indicate that the AAP is offering three Lok Sabha seats from Delhi to the Congress. In return, the AAP is seeking seats in Gujarat, Haryana, and Goa.
The political landscape continues to evolve as parties strategize for the upcoming elections, and Mamata Banerjee remains a prominent figure voicing her perspectives amid the unfolding developments.
