Latest news with #JaiMaaDurga
India Today
24-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Dugga Dugga: BJP, Trinamool battle for Bengal's presiding deity Durga
After years of invoking "Ram" in West Bengal, the BJP has swiftly shifted to chants of "Jai Maa Kali" and "Jai Maa Durga". Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the TMC supremo once targeted with "Ram slogans", has mega-plans around Durga. The presiding deity of Bengal has now turned the 'Dugga Dugga' chant into a means of political counterattack ahead of the Assembly election in West Bengal in announcement this week to set up a "Durga Angan", a courtyard dedicated to the goddess, in Bengal, similar to the Jagannath temple she inaugurated in Digha in April, has sparked a political storm. The BJP has called the move "unconstitutional", claiming that Mamata was trying to promote religion with taxpayer West Bengal inching closer to the 2026 Assembly polls, the tussle over religious and cultural symbolism is hotting up. The BJP, which has long accused the TMC of Muslim appeasement, now claims the party's moves are a political ploy to counter its influence among Bengal's religious DITCHED 'JAI SHRI RAM' FOR 'JAI MAA DURGA' IN BENGAL RALLY 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 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 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 see this shift in narrative as a reaction to the party's repeated Assembly poll setbacks in the 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 the 2024 Lok Sabha poll too, the BJP faced a similar 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 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 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 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 hasn't read the Constitution, nor does she understand her own religion," Adhikari further claimed, framing the project as a desperate electoral 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 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 TMC has argued that the project reinforces Bengali identity, countering the BJP's narrative of minority 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 signals that the stage is set for a high-stakes contest next year.- EndsMust Watch
Business Upturn
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Upturn
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee slams BJP's 'divisive agenda' in Assam, defends Bengali identity as PM Modi calls for 'Developed Bengal' under BJP
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on July 19, 2025, 13:01 IST West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday strongly criticised the BJP, accusing it of threatening Bengali-speaking citizens in Assam and pursuing a divisive agenda. In a post on X, Banerjee said: 'The second most spoken language in the country, Bangla, is also the second most spoken language of Assam. To threaten citizens, who want to coexist peacefully respecting all languages and religions, with persecution for upholding their own mother tongue is discriminatory and unconstitutional. This divisive agenda of the BJP in Assam has crossed all limits and people of Assam will fight back. I stand with every fearless citizen who is fighting for the dignity of their language and identity, and their democratic rights.' The second most spoken language in the country, Bangla, is also the second most spoken language of Assam. To threaten citizens, who want to coexist peacefully respecting all languages and religions, with persecution for upholding their own mother tongue is discriminatory and… — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 19, 2025 Her statement came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited West Bengal and addressed a rally at Durgapur. Beginning his speech with chants of 'Jai Maa Kali' and 'Jai Maa Durga,' Modi sought to connect with the Bengali sentiment, declaring BJP as the only party that truly respects and protects Bengali ashmita (pride). Highlighting the BJP's developmental plans for the state, Modi unveiled projects worth around ₹5,400 crore and urged people to vote out the Trinamool Congress government, calling it 'corrupt and non-performing.' 'Bikoshito Bangla Modir Guarantee (Developed Bengal is Modi's Guarantee),' he asserted, promising rapid progress if BJP is given a chance. 'When this barrier (TMC) falls, Bengal will rapidly progress on the path of development. Bengal will play a very important role in our goal to achieve Vikshit Bharat,' he added, pointing to the BJP's governance in Assam, Tripura, and Odisha as examples of development. Modi concluded with an appeal: 'So, give BJP a chance for once. Those who are honest, efficient and courageous. Developed Bengal is Modi's guarantee. Developed Bengal is BJP's resolve.' The contrasting statements from Banerjee and Modi underscore the heated political contest and linguistic identity debate ahead of the next elections in West Bengal and the Northeast. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shalini Kapoor: Once any show ends, I take time to rejuvenate and relax and then bounce back
, known for her roles in hit shows like Qubool Hai , Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev , Jai Maa Durga , Swaragini , and Kahaan Hum Kahaan Tum , was last seen in Iss Ishq Ka Rabb Rakha. Following the wrap-up of her last show, the actor has been embracing a much-needed break. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She says, "Once any show ends, I take time to rejuvenate and relax and then bounce back. Daily soaps are especially very demanding. Once on the job, forget leisure time or holidays unless it's planned well in advance.' Shalini, along with her husband Rohit, took an impromptu trip to Nasik. She shared, 'I had been having random dreams of taking a dip somewhere in holy water, so we planned an impromptu trip to Nasik. He is always excited for such trips. This trip was so fulfilling and so surreal. We have come back with our hearts full of gratitude.' The off-time also allows her to focus on her well-being. 'I take care of my health during these times when I am not shooting, I make sure to eat nutritious food and not tiffin-packed lunches, travel and bond back with my friends, and go for coffee dates with them,' she says.
