West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee leads all-faith harmony rally in Kolkata

On the day of Ram Temple's inauguration in Ayodhya, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted an all-faith rally in Kolkata on Monday.

Leading the rally from Hazra More, Banerjee is slated to visit various places of worship representing different religions, including mosques, churches, and gurdwaras.

The TMC supremo, who skipped the event, was seen accompanied by various faiths and party leaders and was spotted interacting with the crowd.

Banerjee began the rally after offering puja and prayers at the iconic Kalighat temple in the city. The rally is slated to culminate at the Park Circus Maidan with a mega gathering.

She had already decided to skip the event as she called the Ram temple event a "gimmick show before the Lok Sabha polls"

During the journey, Banerjee continued her inclusive approach by offering prayers at a gurdwara, a church, and a mosque in proximity to Park Circus Maidan, the diverse religious interactions aimed at fostering communal harmony in the city, reports PTI news agency.

The TMC, expressing solidarity with Banerjee's initiative, tweeted, "Smt. @MamataOfficial kickstarted the Sanhati Rally from Hazra Park. As thousands of people join this rally uniting all communities, the message 'Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava' resonates across the city! The secular thread of our nation that binds us all remains stronger than ever!.

TMC supporters, carrying party flags and national flags, enthusiastically shouted slogans in support of Banerjee and the rally as it progressed.

(With PTI inputs)