Kolkata, India – Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, criticized the Trinamool Congress-led government in West Bengal for the recent attack on monks and priests in the state. Sarma, who was in Kolkata on Saturday, expressed his lack of surprise regarding the incident and called for strict action against the assailants.
Three monks traveling to Gangasagar Mela were reportedly assaulted by a mob in West Bengal’s Purulia district, under suspicion of being disguised kidnappers. Sarma emphasized the need for immediate intervention by the ruling TMC to address the issue at hand. He also commented on the upcoming consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22, stating that it will symbolize the resurgence of the Hindu civilization.
The Purulia police asserted that the attack on the monks was a result of a misunderstanding with three girls due to language barriers, and denied any communal implications. Sarma, in response to an alleged remark by a TMC MP about the BJP using Lord Ram for political advantage, stated that the party believes in respecting all religions and opposes any attempt to belittle Lord Ram.
He also accused opposition parties like the TMC of distorting the concept of secularism to express anti-Hindu sentiments and criticized them for their derogatory remarks about Hindu deities. The developments underline the ongoing tensions and political polarization in the region as the incident continues to provoke discussions about religious tolerance and communal harmony. The West Bengal government has yet to issue a formal response to Sarma’s remarks.