CPM hails Calcutta HC's ruling on Durga idol immersion

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) on Thursday commended the Calcutta High Court's ruling on Durga idol immersion case, saying that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would have ruptured the communal harmony with her orders and that it would have destroyed the work done by the Left Front in the past 34 years.

Speaking to ANI, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said, "We are happy that the non discrimination among the Indian people has been upheld by the judiciary. For 34 years, both festivals used to happen simultaneously and peacefully. Instead of strengthening the bonds of harmony, we have the state government talking in terms of us and them. This kind of division is very dangerous."

He added that such orders promote competitive communalism in a state.

"This is the competitive communalism that is taking place in Bengal today. It is rupturing the harmony of the Bengali society. We are glad that the decision has been taken," he said.

Another CPM leader Brinda Karat said that the decision by the Calcutta HC is a slap on the face of the government.

"This is not only a setback for Mamata Banerjee, but also a slap on the face of the government that has destroyed the traditions set by the Left in the last 34 years. The Left never prevented any immersion," she said.

"We had to regulate the procession. Regulation doesn't mean prohibition," she added.

Karat expressed delight at the ruling of the High Court and added that she hopes that Mamata adheres to its decision.

The Calcutta High Court today revoked Mamata Banerjee's order on Durga idol immersion and instructed the police to make separate routes for both Durga idol immersion and Muharram processions.

The court added that Durga idol immersion can continue till 12 a.m. on all days, including on Muharram.

Last month, the West Bengal government issued an order that cited that the immersion of Durga idols would not be allowed after 6 p.m. on September 30 and on October 1, on the account of Muharram. The time was later extended to 10 p.m.