VHP says it will to go ahead with shastra pujan in Bengal

On September 4, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered the police to thwart any attempt for conducting such a ceremony on Bijoya Dashami.

Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister, FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Vivekananda, sports news, football, Indian Express

Despite West Bengal CM’s denial VHS proceeds to conduct pooja in Bengal.(Source: Express Archive)

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has decided to go ahead with its plan of a “shastra pujan (weapon worship)” at private and religious institutions during Bijoya Dashami in West Bengal, despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s instruction to police to thwart any such event.

“We will go ahead with our shastra pujan initiative in more than 300 places in West Bengal. All functionaries in the districts have been asked to make arrangements. This is a part of the Durga Puja ritual. On Bijoya Dashami, we will celebrate the victory of good over evil through shastra pujan,” said Sachindranath Sinha, VHP organisational secretary. The VHP’s youth wing, Bajrang Dal and the women’s wing Durga Bahini have already started a campaign in the districts.

According to VHP sources, the ceremony will be in private buildings and religious institutions and about 3,000 people will attend it, apart from VHP members.

“Families will participate wholeheartedly. Apart from our members, we are also receiving requests from households and individuals,” said Sourish Mukherjee, the VHP state media in-charge.
The sources said households have been asked to bring swords, axes, sickles, knives and other weapons to the ceremony.

On September 4, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered the police to thwart any attempt for conducting such a ceremony on Bijoya Dashami.

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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