Durga idol immersion case: Calcutta HC asks state govt. to not create 'communal rift'

Calcutta High Court on Wednesday slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led Government over its recent notification on Durga idol immersion.

"Why can't two communities celebrate together?," observed Calcutta High Court in Durga idol immersion case.

Last month, the West Bengal government issued an order, which said that the immersion of Durga idols would not be allowed after 6 pm on September 30 and on October 1, on the account of Muharram. The time was later extended to 10 pm.

"Let all the communities live in harmony. Do not create a line between them. Let them live together," remarked the Calcutta High Court.

It further stated that when the State Government is firm there is communal harmony in the state.

"Why are you creating communal distinction between the two?" said the Calcutta High Court.

The issue has triggered a controversy among the members of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who accused Banerjee of doing vote bank politics, sidelining the high court's order.

"She should put out the information and if there is an attempt to disturb the peace then she should register an FIR. Why is she doing all that?

Then we will take out to court. She is already attacking the Chief justice of Kolkata High Court. Mamata Banerjee is a constitutional authority and must act responsibly otherwise the Centre should think of dismissing the government," Swamy had told ANI.

Earlier, Mamata had warned the BJP and its affiliate organisations such as RSS, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad over playing dirty politics during Durga Puja, asking them "not to play with fire".

"The Muslim Population of West Bengal is 30 percent. Some people are trying to play dirty politics over Durga Puja. So, if the people from BJP, RSS and VHP believe they can ruin our peace, I'd ask them to not play with fire," she said.

In addition to it, Banerjee reiterated her decision to halt Durga idol immersion on the day of Muharram.

Mamata said, "One thing should be clear- there shouldn't be any immersion during Muharram. I even tweeted about it after the meeting with the Puja committees."

Her comments came on the backdrop of VHP's decision to go ahead with its plan of a "shastra pujan" at private and religious institutions during Bijoya Dashami across the state.

-ANI