The West Bengal branch of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) went to the Calcutta High Court on Thursday, protesting against the district police's refusal to grant permission for a meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Burdwan town, East Burdwan district, on February 16.
The police referred to the current secondary examinations carried out by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) as the reason for the rejection, highlighting prohibitions on the utilization of loudspeakers during this time.
Moreover, they noted that the intended venue is close to a school. RSS functionaries, however, rebutted this point, claiming that the event would not interfere with the examinations because it is to be held on a Sunday.
In turn, the state RSS unit approached the Calcutta High Court, moving against the police order. The case will likely be heard on Friday. Meanwhile, Bhagwat is on his tour of West Bengal, where he has been meeting with RSS state functionaries to plan how to increase the footprint of the organization in the state. The Burdwan event is seen as a crucial element of this outreach, especially in central Bengal districts.
Political observers regard Bhagwat's visit as significant for two reasons. Firstly, it is ahead of the crucial 2025 West Bengal Assembly polls.
Secondly, it is taking place at a moment when there are growing concerns of minority Hindus facing persecution in adjoining Bangladesh—a subject that has immediate relevance for West Bengal, with which it shares a border.
Also, on 8th February, Bhagwat had met with the family of the R.G. Kar rape and murder victim. The bereaved family had sought his intervention, hoping he would try to get them a complete and unbiased probe into the case.
They appealed specially to the centre to make all the perpetrators pay for their heinous crimes. Bhagwat promised to back them in the case.
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