Raj Bhawan’s Strongly-Worded Statement On Howrah Violence Set To Rile Trinamool

Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose has issued a strongly worded statement on the violence that rocked Howrah in the wake of Ram Navami processions on Thursday (30 March).

The Raj Bhawan in Kolkata, in a statement issued Friday (31 March), termed the torching of public properties on “sacred Ram Navami day” as a “highly provocative act”.

The allusion was to Muslim mobs allegedly setting fire to shops, business establishments and other properties after the Ram Navami processions. 

“Hanuman set fire to Lanka to uphold Dharma. Those who resort to fire for Adharma will be made to swallow the fire themselves or those who are mandated to douse the fire, will do so decisively,” the statement read. 

The Raj Bhawan also said: “Those who resort to violence under the allusion that they can hoodwink the people will soon realise they are in a fool’s paradise.”

“Bengal stands united against the perpetrators of this heinous crime against humanity. Trouble makers and abettors will be made to realise that they cannot play Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde in Bengal anymore. Police should be objective, strong and fair, and should not let down their masters and the peace-loving people,” the statement added. 

The Raj Bhawan (Governor) has said it will “keep its eyes and ears open to ensure protection to the life, property and dignity of the common man”. 

Governor Bose said he had a “confidential meeting” with the Chief Minister during which he directed the latter to ensure that “fool-proof arrangements are made to maintain law and order effectively and action taken against miscreants firmly”. 

The Governor has constituted a special cell for real-time monitoring of the situation. 

This statement is sure to rile the Trinamool Congress, which had tried to shift the blame on Hindus and the BJP for the violence in Howrah.