BJP claims Ram Navami rally attacked in Kolkata’s Park Circus, Police deny permission was sought
Kolkata: BJP MP and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday alleged that a Ram Navami rally was attacked in the Park Circus Seven Point area of Kolkata. In a post on social media platform X, Majumdar claimed that vehicles carrying saffron flags were pelted with stones, resulting in shattered windshields and damage, while accusing the police of inaction during the incident.
The Balurghat MP, who also serves as the BJP's West Bengal unit president, posted videos showing damaged vehicles and alleged that the violence was targeted. He criticised the police force, stating it remained silent during the episode and accused the state government of pursuing "appeasement politics."
In his post, Majumdar claimed that the alleged attack was a response to the growing show of unity among Bengali Hindus and promised a larger procession next year. He stated that the same police who "stood mute" this year would "shower flowers" on the rally in future.
Kolkata Police responded to the allegations on X, stating that no permission had been granted for any procession in the Park Circus area on the occasion of Ram Navami. The police clarified that no official rally had taken place in that location, and they intervened upon receiving reports of a damaged vehicle. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway, the police added, while advising the public not to pay attention to unverified claims or rumours.
BJP leader Tarunjyoti Tewari questioned the police's stance on permissions, referring to a recent gathering by members of the minority community in the same area. The protest was held against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed in Parliament last week.
Ram Navami celebrations saw over 2,000 rallies held across West Bengal, with participation from both BJP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders. The occasion, however, also became a flashpoint in the ongoing political rivalry ahead of next year’s Assembly elections.
Approximately 6,000 police personnel were deployed across the state, along with drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring, and quick response teams to maintain law and order.
As the Ram Navami procession returned, Hindu devotees were savagely attacked in Kolkata’s Park Circus Seven Point area. Stones rained down on vehicles just for carrying saffron flags. Windshields shattered. Chaos unleashed. This wasn’t random—it was targeted violence. And where… pic.twitter.com/Ed74Xbi2K6
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) April 6, 2025
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EAM Jaishankar meets Jamaican PM, gifts over 10 BHISHM Cubes
Kingston (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and discussed ways to further deepen "political, economic and people-to-people cooperation."
Jaishankar also conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Holness.
"Pleased to call on Prime Minister @AndrewHolnessJM in Kingston. Conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi," Jaishankar posted on X.
"Discussed deepening our political, economic and people-to-people cooperation. Value his commitment towards further strengthening India-Jamaica relations," the post further read.
Also, the external affairs minister handed over 10 BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes as a gift to Jamaica.
"Formally handed over 10 BHISHM Cubes as a gift from India to Jamaica, in the presence of PM @AndrewHolnessJM, Health Minister @christufton and FM @kaminajsmith," Jaishankar posted on X.
"The BHISHM Cube mobile hospital system, designed for rapid deployment, will help Jamaica during disasters and emergencies. The gift of these cubes is a statement of friendship, a commitment to disaster preparedness, and an outcome of innovation," the post said.
Jaishankar arrived in Kingston on Saturday evening, marking the first leg of his nine-day tour of Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, aimed at further strengthening India's strategic and cultural ties with the Caribbean nations.
Earlier in the day, he interacted with the Indian diaspora and discussed India's ongoing transformation in infrastructure, human development and technology-driven governance and entrepreneurship with them.
He also highlighted the cricket bond between both countries as India gifted a scoreboard to Jamaica.
A scoreboard was dedicated at Sabina Park in Kingston. It is the home of the Jamaica cricket team and is the only Test cricket ground in the Caribbean island nation.
The minister expressed hope that the new scoreboard would witness many memorable innings, including those symbolising the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Cricket has long been a strong cultural bridge between India and Jamaica, which is part of the West Indies cricket team.
Jamaican players, including Chris Gayle, Courtney Walsh and Michael Holding, have played a major role in shaping the legacy of West Indies cricket in the international arena, contributing to its dominance in earlier decades and its continued global appeal.
