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Bengal Congress Counters Gita Recital: Why a Constitution Rally Raises Political Stakes

The West Bengal Congress has announced a unique counter-protest. They will hold a public recital of the Indian Constitution in response to a massive Bhagavad Gita recitation event held recently in Kolkata. State party chief Subhankar Sarkar framed this as a stand against divisive politics and religious fanaticism. The party is also planning further protests over the withholding of central funds for the state's rural jobs scheme.

Key Points: Bengal Congress Announces Constitution Recital to Counter Gita Event

  • Congress plans 'Recitation of the Constitution by a Thousand Voices' on December 20 in Kolkata
  • Event is a direct protest against recent 'Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path' gathering
  • State Congress chief accuses RSS of promoting divisive 'Manuvadi' ideology
  • Party also plans a separate protest demanding MGNREGA fund release for West Bengal
2 min read

Bengal Congress to hold Constitution recital programme to counter recent Gita recital event in Kolkata

West Bengal Congress plans a Constitution recital rally in Kolkata as a direct counter-protest to a recent large-scale Bhagavad Gita recitation event.

"The politics of division based on language, food, clothing and religion has reached a dangerous level across the country. - Subhankar Sarkar, WBPCC President"

Kolkata, Dec 11

The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC), on Thursday, announced a programme to recite the Constitution as a counter to the recently held Bhagavad Gita recital in Kolkata.

West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar made this announcement at a press conference at Bidhan Bhavan on Thursday.

The Congress's programme titled as 'Recitation of the Constitution by a Thousand Voices' will be held on Rani Rashmoni Road in Kolkata on December 20.

The State Congress President said, "The recitation of the Constitution by a thousand voices' programme has been launched. The event will begin with singing Vande Mataram in support of pluralism. The politics of division based on language, food, clothing and religion has reached a dangerous level across the country. The Constitution drafted by B.R. Ambedkar is being trampled upon with the support of the state power."

According to Congress leader Sarkar, this programme has been undertaken as a form of protest against the religious fanaticism.

He accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other Hindutva groups of promoting Manuvadi ideology and a politics of narrow-mindedness.

The State Congress President said, "The politics of division is being imposed by drawing comparisons such as Chandi Path instead of Gita recitation and Jagannath Temple instead of Ram Temple, which we strongly oppose."

He also announced that the Congress will hold a protest by surrounding the Lok Bhavan between December 22 and 24, demanding the implementation of the 100-day work scheme in West Bengal.

This movement is in protest against the suspension of new job card allocations and the withholding of funds for West Bengal due to political reasons, he said.

On December 7, 'Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path' (Gita chanting by five lakh voices) programme was held at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata which was organised by the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad, a collective of monks and spiritual leaders drawn from various monasteries and Hindu religious institutions.

Lakhs of devotees took part in the Gita recital programme.

Prominent personalities such as Swami Pradiptananda Maharaj and BJP leaders such as Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar, Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and party's West Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya, former State BJP President Dilip Ghosh, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, actor-turned-BJP leaders Rudranil Ghosh and others were in attendance.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Why does everything have to be a "counter"? Can't both the Gita and the Constitution be respected? This competitive politics is exhausting. Let people recite what gives them peace, and let's focus on actual governance issues like the 100-day work scheme they mentioned.
R
Rohit P
Finally, someone is standing up for Babasaheb Ambedkar's vision! The Constitution is being undermined daily. This recital is not just a counter-programme, it's a necessary reminder of our foundational values. Jai Bhim!
S
Sarah B
As an observer, this seems like political theatre. Both events are using symbolism to rally their bases. The real issue is the suspension of job cards and funds for West Bengal. That protest seems more substantive than recital one-upmanship.
V
Vikram M
The Gita recital was a beautiful, peaceful event for lakhs of devotees. This feels like a deliberate attempt to politicize and dilute a spiritual gathering. Can't we have space for both faith and the constitution without making them antagonistic?
K
Kavya N
I appreciate the sentiment, but I wish it wasn't framed as a "counter". The Constitution deserves its own stage, not just a reactive one. Starting with Vande Mataram is perfect though – a truly national song for all Indians.

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