Suvendu Adhikari lays foundation stone for grand Ram Mandir in Nandigram on Ram Navami

On Sunday, West Bengal witnessed widespread Ram Navami celebrations with a significant political twist, as Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari laid the foundation stone of a Ram temple in Nandigram’s Sonachura village, Purba Medinipur district. Adhikari, wearing saffron, led a procession to the temple site, where he officially laid the temple’s foundation amid chants of 'Jai Shri Ram'. The location holds historical importance, being near the site of the 2007 anti-land acquisition protests, where several people were killed in firing by miscreants. The temple's foundation laying ceremony became a major focal point for political attention ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.

In addition to Adhikari’s participation, several BJP and TMC leaders took part in the festivities across the state, with over 2,500 Ram Navami rallies planned in various districts. The events saw large processions featuring devotional music, saffron flags, and tableaux depicting scenes from the Ramayana. BJP leaders such as Sukanta Majumdar and Saumitra Khan led rallies in Howrah and Bankura, while TMC leaders also engaged in rallies across districts like Bhangar. Despite occasional clashes, such as the altercation between BJP leader Locket Chatterjee and police near New Town, the celebrations proceeded with large crowds and fervent participation.

The scale of security for the events was substantial, with more than 6,000 police personnel deployed across the state to ensure law and order. Drones and CCTV cameras were used to monitor sensitive areas, and quick response teams were stationed in high-risk locations. In Kolkata alone, over 60 rallies were planned, with heightened police presence around areas like Lalbazar. BJP leaders asserted that the celebrations should remain peaceful, while TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh accused the BJP of politicizing the festivities. The state’s security forces continued to manage the large-scale events, with authorities emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace.