Days Before Election, PM, Mamata Banerjee Spar Over Ram Navami Processions

Calcutta High Court allowed Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Anjani Putra Sena to take out Ram Navami processions, but under certain conditions, including limiting participants to a maximum of 200.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee went head-to-head today over Ram Navami celebrations to take place in Howrah on Wednesday - a year after large-scale violence in the district and across the state led to arson, stone-pelting and clashes between two groups, and sparked a slugfest between the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and ruling Trinamool.

Mr Modi, campaigning in Dakshin Dinajpur district, said the Trinamool had "always tried to stop Ram Navami processions" and vowed it would be celebrated without interruption this year.

"Trinamool Congress has always tried to stop Ram Navami... they tried many conspiracies. But we have got permission from the court and tomorrow, with devotion and faith, we will celebrate Ram Navami," the Prime Minister declared, referring to a Calcutta High Court order this morning.