Mamata Banerjee’s All-Faith Rally in Kolkata Coincides with Ram Temple Consecration

New Delhi: In a unique move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee organized an all-faith rally in Kolkata on Monday, coinciding with the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The rally, named ‘Sanghati,’ began from Hazra More and is expected to conclude at Park Circus Maidan with a large gathering.

During the rally, Banerjee visited various places of worship representing different religions, including mosques, churches, and gurdwaras. The Chief Minister, known for her white and blue bordered cotton sari, greeted the diverse crowd with folded hands as she walked through the city.

The event, aligning with the ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony in Ayodhya, comes after Banerjee declined an invitation to the temple consecration, criticizing it as a “gimmick show” before the Lok Sabha polls. She emphasized that her role as a politician is to focus on creating infrastructure rather than performing religious rituals.

Addressing concerns about the rally, Banerjee clarified on Sunday that it is not meant to counter anyone or protest anything. “Religion belongs to individuals, but festivals are for all,” she stated. The rally, which involves prayers to Maa Kali and visits to various religious sites, aims to emphasize the inclusive spirit of festivals.

This inclusive approach reflects Banerjee’s commitment to diversity and harmony, and she believes in the importance of respecting all communities. The event is designed to celebrate the unity in diversity that defines India’s cultural fabric.