Dugga Dugga: BJP, Trinamool battle for Bengal's presiding deity Durga
That the BJP was realigning from "Jai Shri Ram" to "Jai Maa Durga" and "Jai Maa Kali" was evident during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in West Bengal's Durgapur on July 18.Modi began his address with chants of "Jai Maa Durga" and played up his commitment to Bengali pride."For the BJP, Bengali 'ashmita' (pride) is supreme. Wherever there is a BJP government, Bengalis are respected," PM Modi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI."We will not allow this conspiracy against Bengali 'ashmita' to succeed. The BJP is the only party that truly respects it," Modi added.The BJP's embrace of goddess Durga is being viewed as a strategic move to align with Bengal's cultural and religious sentiments. Deities like Durga and Kali command immense reverence in the eastern state.Analysts see this shift in narrative as a reaction to the party's repeated Assembly poll setbacks in the state.In the 2021 Assembly polls, where the TMC won 215 of 292 seats with 48.02% votes, the BJP could just manage 77 seats even with 37.97%, after claiming that it would bag a majority.In the 2024 Lok Sabha poll too, the BJP faced a similar setback.MAMATA TO SET UP DURGA ANGAN, FOR ROUND-THE-YEAR CELEBRATIONDays after Modi's address in Durgapur and BJP leaders echoing the tone, Mamata Banerjee countered the emerging narrative during the TMC's Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata on July 21.advertisementAnnouncing the grand plan for the 'Durga Angan', Mamata questioned the BJP's sudden devotion to the deity, saying, "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 [from Unesco]"."Now listen, just as we developed Jagannath Dham, we will create 'Durga Angan' so that people can visit and experience it throughout the year," she added.Although Mamata Banerjee didn't share other details about the proposed 'Durga Angan', a Trinamool source said she had long considered setting it up near Kolkata. The space is expected to serve as an open-air museum showcasing Durga Puja idols, traditions, and Bengal's festive heritage, reported Kolkata-based English daily, The Telegraph.BJP SLAMS DURGA ANGAN' OVER USE OF PUBLIC FUNDSSuvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, labelled it a violation of constitutional norms, reported news agency PTI."No religious institution, temple, mosque, church, or gurudwara, can be built using taxpayers' money," he said, accusing Mamata Banerjee of misusing public funds to woo Hindu voters traditionally perceived to be aligned with the BJP.advertisement"She hasn't read the Constitution, nor does she understand her own religion," Adhikari further claimed, framing the project as a desperate electoral tactic.The BJP's in its criticism latched on to its broader narrative of accusing the TMC of "minority appeasement" while now attempting to reclaim Hindu voters. This follows the BJP going for a leadership overhaul in the state, appointing Samik Bhattacharya as state president, who has shown signs of slight policy divergence by speaking to Muslims and the Communists of Bengal.TMC CALLS 'DURGA ANGAN' A SYMBOL OF CULTURAL PRIDE, NOT RELIGIOUS OVERREACHTMC leaders have defended Mamata's 'Durga Angan' proposal as a celebration of Bengal's cultural heritage, not a religious overreach."She [Mamata Banerjee] organises the annual Durga Puja Carnival. Does that not count? BJP mocks Jagannath Dham as a 'theme park' and now questions her faith, people will judge them,"TMC spokesperson Riju Dutta was quoted as saying by The Times of India.The TMC has argued that the project reinforces Bengali identity, countering the BJP's narrative of minority favouritism.With West Bengal gearing up for the 2026 Assembly polls, the battle with Durga at the centre reflects a contest for both cultural appropriation and electoral supremacy. The BJP turned to the presiding deity while vowing to oust the TMC, and Mamata proposed the 'Durga Angan' while predicting a two-thirds majority for her party.This signals that the stage is set for a high-stakes contest next year.- EndsMust Watch
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Business Standard
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- Business Standard
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9 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
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