Kolkata's historic Brigade Parade Ground witnessed a sea of humanity on Sunday as an estimated five lakh people gathered for a massive recitation of the Bhagavad Gita. The event, titled 'Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path', was organised by the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad with the stated aim of highlighting West Bengal's spiritual heritage and fostering social harmony.
A Spectacle of Faith and Politics
The gathering included a significant presence of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, alongside numerous sadhus and sadhvis from across the state. Prominent BJP figures in attendance included Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, state president Shamik Bhattacharya, MPs Sukanta Majumdar and Locket Chatterjee, and former MPs Dilip Ghosh and Rupa Ganguly. The religious contingent featured figures like Swami Pradiptananda Maharaj (Kartik Maharaj), Dhirendra Shastri, and Sadhvi Ritambhara.
The ceremony began with the Bhagavad Gita being brought to the main stage on a chariot by sadhus. Many participants were sprayed with Ganga water before the collective recitation started. The atmosphere was charged with devotion as conches were blown, drums were played, and people danced, waving both national and saffron flags.
Political Sparks Fly Over Spiritual Gathering
The event quickly became a political flashpoint. Former BJP MP Dilip Ghosh dared the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) to organise a similar Gita recitation, asserting that the Hindu community in Bengal feels threatened, leading to such collective gatherings over the past three years. He insisted the event held on December 7, 2025, was not political.
BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar made a more pointed historical claim, stating, "West Bengal was created for Hindus only. Otherwise, what was the need for the division? It could have remained East Pakistan." He expressed worry that Hindus were being made to feel like outsiders in the state.
The TMC responded sharply. Spokesperson Kunal Ghosh accused the BJP of organising the event to polarise people along religious lines. He drew a parallel to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, noting that the BJP lost the Lok Sabha election there despite the temple's consecration by the Prime Minister. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee outright questioned the BJP's claim of a five-lakh-strong gathering.
Voices from the Ground and the Aftermath
Sadhvi Ritambhara emphasised the power of unity, stating that the Gita's teachings help control inner enemies and break social barriers. Kartik Maharaj suggested spiritual practice could restore calm in a divisive climate.
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury struck a different note, cautioning that while religious events are fine, the pressing needs and development lag in Bengal must not be forgotten. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul stated the Gita's message was for all 140 crore Indians, not just Hindus.
Participants, many of whom had spent the night at the ground or travelled from districts like Kharagpur and Naihati, were provided with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, water, and snacks by the organisers. The massive turnout and the ensuing political debate underscore the deep intertwining of faith, culture, and politics in West Bengal, setting the stage for further confrontations.
