Charging West Bengal's Trinamool Congress government with treating the Ram Navmi and Hanuman Jayanti celebrations in the state as "a crime", BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain on Tuesday said no one can deny people the right to celebrate their religious festivals.
"In a secular democratic state, everyone has the right to celebrate the festivals of their own religion with pride. No one can object to that. But the situation in Bengal is such that hailing the name of Ram or celebrating the Hanuman Jayanti have become a crime," Hussain said.
The BJP leader also urged the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to focus on the state's development rather than trying to appease a certain community for votes.
"People of the state did not bring her to power so that she could keep the interest of just one section of the society while neglecting the other. BJP condemns this form of politics," he said.
Hussain said according to the Indian constitution people of all religions have the right to observe their festivals and rituals.
Responding to if arms should be allowed in religious rallies, Hussain termed it as "rituals" and said the custom of any religion should not be violated.
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"These arms are part of Hindu rituals. Can anyone object a Sikh from carrying a 'kripaan' (small sword) in public. Similarly swords are carried in Muharram rallies as well. Every religion should be allowed to maintain their custom," he added.
--IANS
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