While addressing the Trinamool Congress’ all-faith rally in Kolkata, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday took a swipe at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying it only talks about Lord Ram and not Goddess Sita as the saffron party is “anti-women”.
Banerjee’s comments come on a day when the consecration ceremony was held at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
“They (BJP) talk about Lord Ram, but what about Goddess Sita? She was all along with Lord Ram during his exile. They don't speak about her as they are anti-women. We are worshippers of Goddess Durga, so they should not try to lecture us about religion,” she said.
“I don't believe in politicising religion ahead of elections. I am against such practice. I have no objection against those worshipping Lord Ram, but object to interference with the food habits of people,” the TMC supremo said.
The TMC on Monday held the all-faith rally in the state capital, on the same day as the Ram temple consecration ceremony. The 'Sanghati March' started from Hazra More in Kolkata and Banerjee was accompanied by religious leaders of various faiths and party leaders.
During the foot march, Banerjee visited several places of worship representing different religions, including mosques, churches, and gurdwaras.
Clad in her trademark white and blue bordered cotton sari with a shawl wrapped around her neck, Ms Banerjee was seen greeting people and onlookers on both sides of the road with folded hands.
She had declined the invitation to attend the Ram temple event calling it a “gimmick show before Lok Sabha polls”, clarifying that the all-faith rally was not to “counter anyone”.
"I am not doing this to counter anyone or protest anything. I have already said religion belongs to individuals but festivals are for all. On January 22, I will first offer prayers to Maa Kali and then lead the rally. It will touch temples, mosques, gurdwaras and churches along its route before reaching Park Circus where a meeting will be held," she said.
The consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir was held on Monday, January 22, afternoon in Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ceremony with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, and several other dignitaries including politicians, saints, and celebrities in attendance.