Nusrat Jahan Attends ISKCON Jagannath Rath Yatra With Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata, Says 'I Am Still Muslim'
Newly-elected TMC MP and actor Nusrat Jahan on Thursday attended the inaugural ceremony of the Kolkata ISKCON Rath Yatra.
Kolkata, July 4: Newly-elected TMC MP and actor Nusrat Jahan on Thursday attended the inaugural ceremony of the Kolkata ISKCON Rath Yatra to Jagannath temple. The presence of Nusrat Jahan sent a powerful message to her critics who slammed her for wearing sindoor and mangalsutra during her oath in parliament after her wedding. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee flagged off the ISKCON’s Rath Yatra in Kolkata today.
Jahan, who was accompanied by her husband Nikhil Jain, was invited as a special guest at the inauguration ceremony by ISKCON. Speaking to media at the event, Jahan said: "I don't pay heed to things which are baseless. I know my religion. I have been a Muslim by birth and I am still a Muslim. It's about faith. You have to feel it inside your heart and not in your head." She also appealed to people not to mix politics and religions. Nusrat Jahan on 'Fatwa': I Represent an 'Inclusive' India.
"Didi (as Mamata Banerjee is popularly called) is always present at the Red Road for Namaz during Eid. There is no politics in this, it is about faith and belief. Let's keep politics and religion apart," the TMC lawmaker said. Sporting a traditional look in a saree, 'mangalsutra' and bangles, the Bengali actress took part in all the rituals along with her husband Nikhil Jain and other dignitaries who participated in the chariot festival. TMC MPs Mimi Chakraborty, Nusrat Jahan Ruhi Raise First Issue in Parliament.
Nusrat Jahan reacts to criticism she faced for wearing sindoor:
"I'm fortunate to be invited by ISKCON and am really proud to be a part of the event. West Bengal celebrates all religious events together without any communal differences," Jahan added. She highlighted her party's vision, saying that they all follow the path of peace and brotherhood as shown by Didi. She also vouched for unity and secularism, which she feels is an important aspect of the state.
"I will pray to Lord Jagannath for the well-being of all the people of West Bengal. I wish everyone comes together to pull the lord's chariot," Nusrat said. This year ISKCON is celebrating the 48th edition of the chariot festival in the state capital.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2019 06:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).