"Good Triumphs Over Evil": Mamata Banerjee's Ramzan Message Amid Lockdown

Coronavirus: Mamata Banerjee tweeted her wishes on occasion of Ramzan

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to Twitter this morning to wish people for the start of the holy month of Ramzan, when Muslims across the world observe a fast from sunrise to sunset. "This holy month is a time of introspection and renewal... good always triumphs over evil and, as we face evil now may the Almighty bless us and make everything right," Ms Banerjee said, while also urging Muslims across the country to be mindful of restrictions on movement during a nationwide lockdown to break the chain of transmission of the novel coronavirus.

"Ramzan mubarak to everyone! This holy month is a time of introspection and renewal. My best wishes to everyone fasting for a month. In the interests of public safety, to ensure a healthy virus-free society, my humble appeal that this year we pray to the Almighty from our homes," the Chief Minister tweeted.

"Through thick and thin, Bengal has always maintained a united front while facing any adversity. Let's promise each other in this holy month, we will stand shoulder to shoulder fighting this pandemic and ensure that peace and communal harmony will always be maintained," she added.

One thing that we've learned from our forefathers is that good always triumphs over evil, and as we face evil now, may the almighty bless us and make everything right. Stay at home! Take all precautionary measures! Keep yourself and your family safe. (3/3)

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 24, 2020

Ms Banerjee's reference to communal harmony was a repeat of her attack on those playing "communal politics" over an event held by Islamic sect Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi last month. The event has been linked to around 30 per cent of all coronavirus cases in the country; Bengal has sent 200 Jamaat members to quarantine, the Chief Minister said this month.

"One thing we've learned from our forefathers is that good always triumphs over evil, and as we face evil now, may the almighty bless us and make everything right. Stay at home! Take all precautionary measures! Keep yourself and your family safe," she tweeted today.

As the month of Ramzan starts during the coronavirus lockdown, several have expressed concern over possible large gatherings that could spark another surge in COVID-19 cases. This week the centre urged states and union territories to be cautious and ask religious leaders in their respective regions to ask followers to stay home for daily prayers during this health crisis.

"No formal evening prayers in any mosque would anyway be allowed as the country is under lockdown but since there are inputs from many cities that in some places some people may collect for Taraweeh prayers, we have alerted state police where Muslim population is high," a senior government official said.

The Chief Minister, whose government has been warned by the centre over alleged violations of lockdown guidelines, including social distancing protocols, took to the streets of Kolkata on Thursday to remind people to stay indoors even during religious festivals.

"Remember that social distancing does not mean you are getting disconnected from your near ones and friends. It is only about physical distancing which will help us win the battle against coronavirus," she said.

Bengal has reported over 500 COVID-19 cases and 15 deaths so far. The crisis has also led to more clashes between the Bengal government and the centre. Over the past couple of days they have clashed over allegations of lockdown violations and misreporting of cases.

This week a central team sent to investigate the alleged violations spent a day locked in a Kolkata guest house, waiting for logistical support.

On Thursday Mamata Banerjee demanded a full rollback of the nationwide lockdown two weeks after it is expected to end on May 3. Ms Banerjee said that "as a citizen and TMC (Trinamool Congress) chief" she wanted 25 per cent of the lockdown in the week beginning May 4, 50 per cent in the following week and all restrictions should be lifted in two weeks' time.

With input from PTI