Brahmin Sammelan: “We Feel Respected Today”, Say Priests
The BJP called the event the TMC’s attempt to woo Hindu voters.
The Trinamool Congress, spearheaded by its leader Mamata Banerjee, has organised its first ‘Brahmin Sammelan,’ or a conference of Brahmins in Bolpur town of Birbhum district, West Bengal.
The move has been seen by opposing parties in the state, such as the BJP, as an attempt made by the TMC to try and woo Hindu voters in light of the upcoming 2018 panchayat elections.
- Trinamool Congress organises ‘Brahmin Sammelan’ in Bolpur town of Birbhum district, WB.
- Over 15,000 priests from the district are expected to come and conduct puja.
- They will be given a copy of the Gita, a religious shawl and pictures of Sarada Maa and Ramakrishna.
- Critics have called this move by the TMC an attempt to woo Hindu voters after the party has been repeatedly slammed by the BJP for minority appeasement.
- Brahmin Sammelans are common in states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.
The Meet Ends With Recitation of 'Chandi Paath'
After Mandal addressed the concerns of the gathered priests, the ‘Brahmin Sammelan’ came to an official wrap, with the recitation of the Chandi Paath, a popular Hindu religious text.
"Won't Learn Hindutva From Anyone": Anubrata Mandal
TMC Birbhum President Anubrata Mandal, while addressing the concerns raised by the gathered priests at the meet, said that he wouldn’t learn Hindutva from anyone, referring to the allegations cast by opposing parties on the TMC’s aim to woo its Hindu voters through meets such as this.
TMC Birbhum President Anubrata Mandal Arrives at the Meet
Anubrata Madal, the TMC Birbhum President arrives at the meet. The idea to host the ‘Brahmin Sammelan’ in West Bengal, is reportedly his.
Over 2000 People in Attendance at the Meet
Over 2,000 people were reportedly in attendance at the ‘Brahmin Sammelan’ held at Bolpur of Birbhum district in West Bengal.
Priests Demand Greater Govt. Attention Towards Their Problems
Discussing the many irregularities in payments, and other problems that they face in their profession, priests gathered at the event demanded greater government attention towards their plight, so their situation could improve.
"We Feel Respected Today", Say Priests at the Meet
The Quint reached out to several of the priests gathered at the meet, and almost all of them said that they were thankful to the TMC for organizing a ‘first of its kind’ event, where they felt respected.
Whatever Needs to Be Said About Hindus, We Will Say: Anubrato Mondal
According to India Today, Anubrata Mondal, TMC Birbhum district president, had earlier said that the party would be hosting a series of these kind of meets, where issues relating to both the Hindu and Muslim community of the districts will be discussed.
A New Indian Express report quotes Mondal as saying:
Shlokas Played at Venue
According to our ground report, shlokas are being played at the venue, as the people begin to arrive.
Priests from Across Birbhum Have Started Gathering
Priests from across the Birbhum district have started gathering for the Brahmin Sammelan.
According to the TMC, over 15,000 priests are expected to meet and conduct puja at the meet held on Monday.
Welcome Posters Have Been Put up Across Bolpur
Posters welcoming the flurry of priests who are expected to attend the event have been put up across the town of Bolpur in Birbhum district of West Bengal.
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