“Bengal’s religious sentiments won’t be hurt”: BJP at Eden Gardens Puja Kickoff
BJP leaders Samik Bhattacharya and Mithun Chakraborty join celebrations at Eden Gardens as West Bengal welcomes Devi Paksha.
The festive spirit of Durga Puja has arrived in West Bengal with a grand commencement at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens. As the state welcomes Devi Paksha, leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gathered at the historic venue to mark the occasion, using the platform to highlight a shift in how religious traditions are being observed compared to previous years.
A Shift in Religious Observance
West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya addressed the gathering, asserting that the religious sentiments of the people would be respected during this year's festivities. He drew a sharp contrast between the current atmosphere and past celebrations, claiming that previous instances had caused distress to the public's beliefs.
“At that time, the religious beliefs and sentiments of the people of West Bengal were hurt. That is not happening this time,” Bhattacharya stated. He noted that the BJP had been invited to witness the proceedings, signaling a different political and social landscape in the state.
Supporting this sentiment, West Bengal Minister Moumita Biswas Mishra emphasized the importance of adhering to traditional timelines. She noted that the celebrations were being conducted in strict accordance with Sanatan Dharma, specifically marking the auspicious beginning of Devi Paksha.
“This time, Durga Puja is actually being celebrated properly. We follow Sanatan Dharma, we have faith, and we have our own rules, principles and timings,” Mishra said. She criticized previous administrations for what she described as a period dominated by "syndicates, politicking and bullying," rather than religious sanctity. She added that in the past, auspicious works were often mismanaged by being undertaken during Pitru Paksha.
Mithun Chakraborty on a "Fearless" Bengal
The event also saw the presence of veteran actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty. Reflecting on the massive turnout at Eden Gardens, Chakraborty suggested that the crowd's energy was a sign of a changing tide in the state's political climate.
“Just by your presence here, it is clear that Bengal is free from fear,” Chakraborty remarked, adding that the current atmosphere reflected a desire for things to happen "at the right time."
Political Sparring Amidst Festivities
While the occasion was religious, the political rhetoric remained intense. Samik Bhattacharya directed sharp criticism toward Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee, questioning her decision to lead protests in Delhi while the festivities were underway in Bengal.
“Mamata Banerjee has gone to Delhi and is protesting there... Today, the daughter of Bengal is being arrested in Delhi. This is not right,” Bhattacharya said. He further dismissed the possibility of a change in the central or state government in the immediate future, despite the festive fervor.
Minister Moumita Biswas Mishra also targeted TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, questioning his political independence. She claimed that recent electoral trends, such as in Rajinagar, demonstrated a growing public trust in the BJP leadership and the vision provided by the Prime Minister.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar concluded by noting that the inauguration during Devi Paksha was a significant move to honor tradition, suggesting that the grand event at Eden Gardens would serve as a showcase of West Bengal's cultural capabilities to a global audience.