Is ‘Durga Angan' Mamata Banerjee's Answer to BJP's ‘Jai Ma Kali' Shift? Analysts Decode Speech
Mamata Banerjee asked, 'Why is it that you start remembering Ma Kali only during polls?" Bengal BJP President Shamik Bhattacharya questioned TMC's sudden love for Bengali
Following Chief Minister (CM) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee's speech at the Martyrs' Day rally on Monday, political circles in Bengal are abuzz with speculation that the proposed 'Durga Angan' is a direct counter to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) recent shift toward invoking Bengali religious symbols like 'Jai Ma Kali' and 'Jai Ma Durga' in its campaign narrative.
During her speech, Banerjee asked pointedly, 'Why is it that you suddenly start remembering Ma Kali and Ma Durga only during the elections? Ma Durga is our revered goddess, and Durga Puja has even received international recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Now listen—just as we developed Jagannath Dham, we will create 'Durga Angan' so that people can visit and experience it throughout the year."
This statement has made one thing clear: Banerjee is planning to construct a permanent, temple-like complex dedicated to Ma Durga, where devotees and tourists can visit year-round—an ambitious move ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
BJP's shift from 'Jai Shri Ram' to 'Matru Shakti'
Experts observing Bengal's evolving political landscape say that the BJP, in its bid to connect more deeply with Bengali sentiments, has strategically shifted its religious rhetoric—from 'Jai Shri Ram' to symbols of Matru Shakti like 'Jai Ma Kali' and 'Jai Ma Durga'.
TMC insiders believe Banerjee is not willing to let the BJP dominate this cultural-religious space. After promoting the Jagannath Temple project in Digha as an outreach to Hindu voters, she now seems focused on strengthening her connect with Bengal's core religious identity—centered on Ma Durga. While some local Durga temples exist, the scale and visibility of Durga Angan suggest a much larger political and cultural plan.
Observers believe that the 2026 Assembly elections will revolve around three major themes: Bengali identity (Asmita), the alleged inclusion of bogus voters, and religious polarisation. Symbols like Ram, Ma Kali, Ma Durga, and temple-building will become significant talking points.
Political analysts say the Jagannath temple initiative reflected Banerjee's attempt to reach out to Hindu voters amid accusations of minority appeasement. But Ma Durga and Ma Kali—iconic figures in Bengal's spiritual consciousness—strike a more emotional chord with the Bengali electorate. Durga Angan, therefore, is expected to be a key part of TMC's election strategy.
'We are ready to lay down our lives, but we will never accept @BJP4India 's attack on the Bengali language. Starting 27th July, protest rallies will be held every Saturday and Sunday, with the participation of people from all linguistic communities. If you come across any migrant… pic.twitter.com/O84EZPdDTo — All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) July 21, 2025
Mamata Banerjee launches Bengali language movement
In a fresh political thrust, Banerjee has issued a clarion call for a Bengali Language Movement across the state beginning July 27. She has directed her MPs to stage a dharna outside Parliament in New Delhi to protest alleged discrimination against Bengali-speaking citizens.
According to the TMC, several Bengali speakers are being branded as illegal immigrants and are receiving NRC notices. Mamata declared: 'If they arrest more Bengalis, we will take this fight to Delhi. There will be another Bhasha Andolan. They can't harass people just for speaking Bengali."
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee also announced that party MPs will begin delivering speeches in Bengali if necessary to assert linguistic rights.
Mamata Banerjee threatens to gherao EC over SIR
The Chief Minister also took aim at the Election Commission and raised alarms over the State Electoral Roll (SIR) issue, warning of voter list manipulation. She accused the BJP of winning in Maharashtra and Delhi by including bogus voters and deleting genuine ones.
'They have forcefully defeated the opposition in Maharashtra. In Bihar, they deleted names. If Bengal is next on their list, we will respond. I'm known for my movements. If names are deleted here, I will take to the streets again," Banerjee declared.
Abhishek Banerjee reinforced this sentiment, saying, 'The BJP is unleashing two Es — Election Commission to control voters, and the Enforcement Directorate to silence opposition leaders."
'We are ready to lay down our lives, but we will never accept @BJP4India 's attack on the Bengali language. Starting 27th July, protest rallies will be held every Saturday and Sunday, with the participation of people from all linguistic communities. If you come across any migrant… pic.twitter.com/O84EZPdDTo — All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) July 21, 2025
Mamata Banerjee targets Assam, plans protest
Taking a direct shot at Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Banerjee accused him of interfering in Bengal's affairs while failing to govern his own state. She instructed TMC leader Sushmita Dev to organize a major protest in Assam, stating: 'You can't manage Assam, but you're meddling in Bengal. We will all join a protest there."
BJP hits back: TMC compromising national security
Responding sharply, Bengal BJP President Shamik Bhattacharya alleged that the TMC is compromising national security by enabling the entry of Rohingyas. He questioned the TMC's sudden love for Bengali language, citing the Daribhit incident: 'Where was their Bengali pride when students were shot for demanding Bengali teachers in Daribhit? They won't be in power next year."
As Bengal moves closer to the 2026 polls, it's clear that Bengali identity, religious symbolism, and electoral integrity will dominate the political narrative. Mamata's Durga Angan and her renewed push for linguistic rights are now central to the TMC's battle to retain power—setting the stage for a high-stakes ideological showdown.
About the Author
Kamalika Sengupta
Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar...Read More
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July 21, 2025, 18:28 IST
News politics Is 'Durga Angan' Mamata Banerjee's Answer to BJP's 'Jai Ma Kali' Shift? Analysts Decode Speech
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