Hakim invokes Ramakrishna’s message of harmony amid mosque row

Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor and state urban development minister Firhad Hakim on Thursday responded cautiously to the controversy surrounding remarks on the construction of a Babri Masjid structure in Murshidabad, invoking the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna.

Referring to the spiritual message of harmony, Mr Hakim said: “Bengal’s culture is rooted in the philosophy of ‘Jato Mat Tato Path’ (as many faiths, so many paths).” He emphasised that individuals are free to practise and preserve their respective religious traditions.

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“Anyone can build a mosque or a temple and follow their religious beliefs. However, religion should not be mixed with politics. Places of worship must not be used for politically motivated purposes,” he said.

Touching upon the political climate ahead of the forthcoming elections, Mr Hakim asserted that chief minister Mamata Banerjee would continue to enjoy public support, including that of minority communities. He maintained that development work, not religious polarisation, remains the state government’s priority.

“We work for the people, while some focus only on elections. People are aware of the realities,” he added, in an apparent reference to the BJP.

Mr Hakim was in Siliguri to visit the newly-constructed meeting hall at the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, following an invitation from Mayor Goutam Deb. He appreciated the infrastructure and said the urban development department is working in line with the chief minister’s vision to transform Siliguri into a modern city.

He also mentioned that the chief minister had laid the foundation stone for the Mahakal Temple project, expressing hope for accelerated development in the region.