Mamata Banerjee's Decision To Ban The Immmersion Of Durga Puja Idols Analysis
Mamata Banerjee’s Decision to Ban the Immersion of Durga Puja Idols is a Black Spot on Indian Democracy
Recently, the gruesome murder of journalist Gauri Lankest made headlines across the country. Social media was abuzz with tributes for the slain journalist, as well as condemnations from politicians and celebrities across the aisle. Her death invoked outrage from the likes of Arvind Kejriwal, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Barkha Dutt, Rajdeep Sardesai and even Mamata Banerjee. I’m not going to be condemning anyone for voicing their concern and outrage for Gauri’s murder, as I myself believe that her death was a tragic incident that warrants the highest form of condemnation. What I do want to point out, however, is the blatant double standard that is …show more content…
In fact, her own words - “taking care of only one community”, “further dividing people”, “not taking care of everyone” - can be perfectly used to sum up how she’s been ruling West Bengal for the last six years. But Banerjee’s hypocrisy and double standard becomes even more insulting when one remembers how Banerjee herself has been at the forefront of assault on the rights of Hindus living in her state, with the latest assault being her undemocratic decision to ban the immersion of Durga Puja idols on …show more content…
For a leader that routinely preaches on the importance of practicing inclusiveness and tolerance, Banerjee’s never shied away from being communal and indulging in minority appeasement. It’s no less than a tragedy that Banerjee is now attacking a festival that is synonymous with the identity of West Bengal itself. Durga Puja celebrations are the epitome of culture and tradition in West Bengal, during which Puja Pandals dot the entire state and idols of Goddess Durga are placed for worship. Locals, as well tourists from around the world, come to visit these pandals and offer prayers to Goddess Durga. And so for Banerjee to cause a hindrance in these celebrations, is not only undemocratic and reeking of a political agenda, but also goes against the very spirit of West
Recently, the gruesome murder of journalist Gauri Lankest made headlines across the country. Social media was abuzz with tributes for the slain journalist, as well as condemnations from politicians and celebrities across the aisle. Her death invoked outrage from the likes of Arvind Kejriwal, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Barkha Dutt, Rajdeep Sardesai and even Mamata Banerjee. I’m not going to be condemning anyone for voicing their concern and outrage for Gauri’s murder, as I myself believe that her death was a tragic incident that warrants the highest form of condemnation. What I do want to point out, however, is the blatant double standard that is …show more content…
In fact, her own words - “taking care of only one community”, “further dividing people”, “not taking care of everyone” - can be perfectly used to sum up how she’s been ruling West Bengal for the last six years. But Banerjee’s hypocrisy and double standard becomes even more insulting when one remembers how Banerjee herself has been at the forefront of assault on the rights of Hindus living in her state, with the latest assault being her undemocratic decision to ban the immersion of Durga Puja idols on …show more content…
For a leader that routinely preaches on the importance of practicing inclusiveness and tolerance, Banerjee’s never shied away from being communal and indulging in minority appeasement. It’s no less than a tragedy that Banerjee is now attacking a festival that is synonymous with the identity of West Bengal itself. Durga Puja celebrations are the epitome of culture and tradition in West Bengal, during which Puja Pandals dot the entire state and idols of Goddess Durga are placed for worship. Locals, as well tourists from around the world, come to visit these pandals and offer prayers to Goddess Durga. And so for Banerjee to cause a hindrance in these celebrations, is not only undemocratic and reeking of a political agenda, but also goes against the very spirit of West