Some people who signed as “Hindus under Shella Block” has questioned the authority of the president of the Central Puja Committee (CPC), Naba Bhattacharjee to represent on their behalf.
In an email statement here today, through the Ichamati Bhologanj Welfare Organization, the people said that Bhattacharjee cannot represent all the “thousands of Bengalis.”
Stating that the Shillong All Faith Forum (SAFF) has done well in trying to calm the ongoing tension in the state, the statement said, “This is a very noble thought and is supported by the people of all caste, creed and religion. However, quoting untrue/coerced statements of the people of Shella Block is not expected from an esteemed organization as SAFF.”
Referring to media reports that Bengalis of Shella Block are not facing any discrimination, the statement said that it was clarified that it was “coerced and false” and was also clarified by the same representatives. Even with the clarification, the SAFF members chose to ignore, they added.
“Moreover why is it always that Mr. Naba Bhattacharjee is considered as the representatives of all the Bengalis of the state? Who is Naba Bhattacharjee to showcase himself as a representative of all the Bengalis of Meghalaya and give a statement on the behalf of all Bengalis? Has he ever been elected as a representative of Bengalis?” they questioned.
They also questioned why not other religious personalities like Rama Krishna Mission (RKM) or Bharat Sevashram Sangh or Brahmo Samaj or Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP) called to represent the Hindu community.
They said that Bhattacharjee’s only remote association to religious affairs is that he is the president of Central Puja Committee, which is only to organise and monitor Durga Puja each year.
“Mr. Bhattacharjee in his own statement said that the people of Meghalaya should not fall prey to the comments of “Outsiders”. Unfortunately Mr. Bhattacharjee yet again failed to understand the meaning of the term “outsiders”; as the persons whom he is declaring as “outsiders”, most of them were/ still are residents of Meghalaya just living or staying outside and having every right to speak about their state,” the statement reads.
Accusing Bhattacharjee of using his “majority appeasement play button,” the statement said that he forgot that 1979, 1987, 1992 and most of 1990s and early 2000s, were years that fear was there than excitement of Durga Puja.
