West Bengal’s CPI(M) State Secretary clarifies use of photograph of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa at party’s State Conference

CPI(M) Secretary clarifies use of religious icons at State Conference, emphasizing diversity and democracy in West Bengal.

Mohammad Salim, the secretary of West Bengal State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Tuesday clarified the use of photographs of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa at the State Conference.

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During the 27 th State Conference of the party which was held at Dankuni in State’s Hooghly district from February 22 to 25, a photograph of the 19 th century saint was used, triggering reports in the local media. 

 The CPI(M) leadership in West Bengal had in the past maintained a distance from religious icons and even during the height of its power during the Left Front government’s regime ( 1977-2011) stayed away from religious events including Durga Puja.

Speaking at the conclusion of the State Conference, Mr. Salim said that photographs of several icons including Rammohan Roy and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa were displayed at the State Conference. Ramakrishna Paramhamsa was born at Kamarpukur in Hooghly in 1836 and his disciple Swami Vivekananda went on to establish Ramakrishna Mission which has centers and followers across the world.

“Ramakrisha Paramhamsa Dev has said Joto Mot Toto Poth (as many faiths so many paths). There cannot be a better explanation of democracy than this. Today when it is being said that there should be one nation one vote Ramakrisha Deb has said Joto Mot Toto Poth,” the CPI(M) leader said. The phrase Joto Mot Toto Poth (as many faiths so many paths) was used by Ramakrishna Paramhamsa to point out the plurality of religious practices across different religions leads to the same goal.

Mr. Salim said that the CPI(M) which is appreciating the diversity around and continuing with its fight wanted to highlight that by using the photograph.