BJP bid to corner Shiv Sena over Ram Leela tradition on Dussehra

Mumbai: After attacking the Shiv Sena-led government on the issue of not allowing reopening of temples in the state, the BJP upped the ante on Friday by asking for permission to allow devotees to perform the Ram Leela on the occasion of Dussehra.

“We have a great tradition of observing Ram Leela in the state. We can hold Ram Leela in big grounds and open spaces by observing all Covid norms and observing social distancing,” said Atul Bhatkalkar, BJP MLA from Kandivali.

Bhatkalkar said since chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had claimed that he was a Ram bhakt (devotee), allowing Ram Leela should not be an issue.


“We have allowed bars, restaurants, Metro trains to start in the state, while temples have still not been allowed. At least the state can allow Ram Leela to take place,” he said.

The BJP’s demand is being seen as an attempt to corner the Shiv Sena in the run-up to the elections to Mumbai’s and other civic bodies in the state in about 12 months. The BJP is trying to show that after joining hands with the Congress, the Shiv Sena has given up its Hindutva agenda, said analysts.