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West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, on Saturday warned the RSS, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad against disturbing peace during Durga Puja. She asked them not to “play with fire”. Her remarks come a day after the VHP decided to go ahead with its “shastra pujan (weapon worship)” at private and religious institutions during Bijoya Dashami across West Bengal despite Banerjee’s order to police to thwart any such event.
Earlier this month, Banerjee had directed the police to prevent any attempt for conducting such a ceremony on Bijoya Dashami.
In August, the state government had triggered a controversy after Banerjee told that the immersion of Durga idols would not be permitted after 6 PM on 30 September and on 1 October on account of Muharram. The BJP had reacted sharply to this move and had accused her of indulging in appeasement politics.
The state government on Friday clarified its position and told the Calcutta HC that immersion will be allowed till 10 pm on 30 September. However, it will not be allowed on 1 October, in view of Muharram but it will again be permitted on 2 October.