‘Jai Shri Ram’ seems to be a less spoken but widely visible slogan ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in North Bengal. From the border area of Coochbehar to the mesmerising mall market of Darjeeling or the quiet market of Balurghat and the tea gardens of Alipurduar, one can see Lord Ram flags everywhere. This is for the first time that Lord Ram flags have adorned most of North Bengal.
“The flags have been there since the time of Ram Mandir Pran pratishtha ceremony and now Ram Navami is also coming, so they are still there,” said Keshav Burman, a resident of Coochbehar. Another resident, 80-year-old Rai, at Darjeeling Mall, said, “Ram is our God. There have been celebrations since the Ram temple inauguration in Ayodhya, that’s why all these shops have Ram Mandir flags.”
There is significant presence of Lord Ram flags in the entire North Bengal, clearly reflecting that there has been a huge impact of Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha amidst people of North Bengal. “There is considerable presence of Nepal-origin people in the hill side of North Bengal. Janakpur in Nepal is considered as the home of Sita, the wife of Lord Ram. Therefore, Ram Mandir holds a special place in our heart,” said Minu Rai, a resident of Kalimpong.
Years ago, the labour in North Bengal’s tea gardens used to come from Bihar. A major portion of this population was non-Bengali. Experts say that their descendants stay in this region and that’s why, every house here has flags and posters of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman.
Speaking to News18, BJP’s Coochbehar candidate and MoS Home Nishit Pramanik, said, “The demand for Ram temple in Ayodhya had been there for 500 years, it was fulfilled by Modi ji. This has nothing to do with vote, but people have a huge emotional connect with Lord Ram and this is the reflection of that connect.”
There were massive rallies in the hills and tea gardens, and in Coochbehar when Ram Mandir was inaugurated.
The VHP has planned huge celebrations for Ram Navami as well in Bengal. Sources say they have planned to conduct more than 100 rallies for Ram Navami in different areas of Bengal.
Raju Bista, BJP candidate from Darjeeling, told News18, “The society will celebrate Ram Navami and we will take part in it. Ram Mandir was a long pending demand of the people and that’s why people will celebrate more this time. These flags signify that.”
Speaking to News18, Darjeeling TMC candidate Gopal Lama said, “They have put these flags during Ayodhya inauguration. Everyone worships Ram, they have put these flags. I will not comment anything on vote and Ram flags.”
Voting for Lok Sabha Elections in North Bengal will take place in the first two phases on April 19 and 26. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.
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