BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya said party MLAs have been instructed not to interfere in local Durga Puja committees and to respect the sentiments of neighbourhood organisers.

BJP Issues Guidelines to MLAs on Durga Puja Committees in West Bengal

Kolkata: West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya has said that the party has directed all its MLAs to avoid interfering in local Durga Puja committees and respect the sentiments of communities associated with the annual celebrations.

Responding to reports linking him to the College Square Durga Puja Committee, Bhattacharya clarified that the party had laid down clear instructions for its legislators regarding their involvement in Puja committees across the state.

According to him, BJP MLAs elected from different constituencies may serve as presidents or associates of Puja committees only within their respective areas, but should refrain from disrupting existing organisational structures.

BJP Emphasises Respect for Local Sentiments

Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Bhattacharya said the party had asked its elected representatives not to interfere with the functioning of neighbourhood Puja committees.

“We have given clear instructions to all BJP MLAs elected from their respective constituencies. They may become the president or an associate of a Puja committee within their own constituency,” he said.

He added that Durga Puja carries deep cultural and emotional significance for local communities and cautioned party leaders against actions that could hurt public sentiments.

“The local community has sentiments attached to the Puja in their neighbourhood. No one should try to become president overnight or interfere with the Puja. Let those who organise the Puja continue their work,” Bhattacharya said.

Durga Puja Remains a Major Cultural Event

Durga Puja is one of West Bengal’s largest cultural and religious festivals, attracting millions of visitors every year. Community pujas organised by local clubs and neighbourhood committees play a central role in the celebrations.

In recent years, the management and administration of prominent Puja committees have often become subjects of political discussion, with leaders from various parties participating in or supporting different organising bodies.

Bhattacharya’s remarks come amid growing attention over the involvement of political figures in festival committees ahead of this year’s celebrations.

BJP’s Stand on TMC’s July 21 Rally

Bhattacharya also commented on the Trinamool Congress’ annual July 21 rally, stating that the BJP had no intention of obstructing the event.

“We do not have to do anything with it. We will provide whatever is required; that is the party’s stand,” he said.

However, he added that decisions regarding administrative and technical arrangements for the rally would rest with the state government.

Bhattacharya further said that senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari would be better placed to speak on those matters.

Political Exchanges Ahead of Key Events

The July 21 rally, organised annually by the Trinamool Congress, is one of the party’s most significant political events and attracts supporters from across West Bengal.

Bhattacharya remarked that the event had, in his view, lost some of its earlier significance, referring to performances held during previous editions of the programme.

His comments reflect the continuing political rivalry between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress as both parties prepare for upcoming political and cultural events in the state.

Why This Matters

Durga Puja committees and large political gatherings hold considerable social and cultural importance in West Bengal. Statements by political leaders regarding these events often draw attention because of the close connection between community celebrations and public life in the state.

The BJP’s directive to its MLAs highlights the party’s attempt to maintain a balance between political participation and respect for local traditions.

Key Takeaways

• BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said MLAs have been instructed not to interfere in local Durga Puja committees.
• Party legislators may be associated with committees within their own constituencies.
• Bhattacharya stressed the need to respect local sentiments linked to Durga Puja.
• He said the BJP has no objection to the Trinamool Congress’ July 21 rally.
• Administrative decisions regarding the rally will be taken by the state government.

Category: West Bengal | Politics | Culture