Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh on Monday appealed to the state government to revoke its decision to observe compete lockdown on August 5 as “bhoomi pujan” for the Ram temple at Ayodhya was scheduled for that day.

He said if the Trinamul Congress government didn’t change the lockdown date, it would have to pay for the decision.

“The lockdown dates have already been changed thrice. The festival of Id was left out of its purview. What is the problem if the dates are changed once more to accommodate the bhoomi pujan (ground breaking ceremony) at Ayodhya?” asked Ghosh.

“We’ve appealed to the government to reconsider the decision of executing a complete lockdown on August 5. It is going to be a historic day and everyone should get an opportunity to participate.”

Told about Ghosh’s comment, Trinamul leader and minister Firhad Hakim said: “The effects of the pandemic on the state and the nation should be kept in mind. This isn’t a time to indulge in communal politics. We have been witness to communal harmony and brotherhood for decades. It should be kept intact.”