VHP to hold ‘sant sammelan’ in Kolkata

Representatives of maths, temples, RSS, Arya Samaj, Hindu outfits, Sikhs, Jains apart from VHP functionaries have been invited for the meet, which is scheduled to be held at Mahajati Sadan.

VHP, VHP Sant Samellan, Kolkata VHP, Indian Express News

The VHP has alleged that Hindu social and religious organisations were being targeted in the state. (File)

THE VISHWA Hindu Parishad (VHP) will hold a ‘sant sammelan’ in Kolkata on July 13 to discuss communal clashes in West Bengal. Representatives of maths, temples, RSS, Arya Samaj, Hindu outfits, Sikhs, Jains apart from VHP functionaries have been invited for the meet, which is scheduled to be held at Mahajati Sadan.

“The situation in West Bengal is getting worse. Hindus are being insulted and attacked in the state. Muslim appeasement by the state government has led to this. It is time that we highlight the atrocities committed on Hindus to all in the Samaj and reach out to the people. We will not let West Bengal become either Kashmir or merge with Bangladesh,” said VHP organisational secretary Sachindranath Sinha.

“It will be a mega sammelan, also to be attended by representatives of organisations that represent castes and sects. Social organisations like RSS and Hindu Jagran Manch will also be present,” he added. The VHP had earlier announced a national agitation over “oppression of Hindus in West Bengal’’, following the Bashirhat riots. A resolution passed at a VHP state committee meeting in Ranigunj from July 7 to 9 said that the organisation will reach out to residents of villages especially those affected by communal tension.

The VHP has alleged that Hindu social and religious organisations were being targeted in the state. “Last evening, RSS pracharaks were attacked and abducted. When we held our state committee meeting, some people lodged complaint with police and tried to stop our meet,” said Bengal VHP spokesman Sourish Mukherjee. The BJP has demanded president’s rule in the state and criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for failing to control law and order.

The RSS had sent a delegation to meet Governor Kesari Nath Tripathi while accusing the government of failing to protect Hindu life and property. Mamata has alleged that there is a conspiracy to create communal tension in the state and destabilise it.

Ravik Bhattacharya

Ravik Bhattacharya is a highly experienced and award-winning journalist currently serving as the Chief of Bureau of The Indian Express, Kolkata. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Ravik possesses deep expertise across a wide range of critical subjects and geographical areas. Experience & Authority Current Role: Chief of Bureau, The Indian Express, Kolkata. Expertise: Extensive reporting across West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and the Andaman Nicobar Islands. Ravik specializes in politics, crime, major incidents and issues, and investigative stories, demonstrating a robust command of complex and sensitive subjects. Experience: His long and distinguished career includes key reporting roles at several prestigious publications, including The Asian Age, The Statesman, The Telegraph, and The Hindustan Times. Ravik's current role marks his second stint with The Indian Express, having previously served as a Principal Correspondent in the Kolkata bureau from 2005 to 2010. Major Award: Ravik's authority and quality of work are substantiated by his winning of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award in 2007 for Political Reporting. Education: His strong academic foundation includes a Bachelor's degree with English Honours from Scottish Church College under Calcutta University, and a PG Diploma in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Ravik Bhattacharya's extensive tenure, specialized beat coverage, and notable award confirm his status as a trusted and authoritative voice in Indian journalism, particularly for stories emanating from Eastern India. ... Read More

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