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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.
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Maa Kali has always had special blessings over the Indian Army: Rajnath Singh
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 12 (ANI): Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that the Indian Army continues to receive the special blessings of Maa Kali, as he stated that Indian forces successfully destroyed nine terror camps located in Pakistan during a recent operation named Operation Sindoor. He added that the operation saw active participation from both male and female personnel, including women soldiers and pilots. Addressing the gathering at the inauguration ceremony of a new block at the Badi Kaliji Temple complex in Lucknow, Minister Singh said, 'Maa Kali has always had special blessings over the Indian Army. Recently, during Operation Sindoor, Indian forces were able to destroy nine terror camps in Pakistan. Women soldiers and pilots also participated in this operation, not just male soldiers. That one form of Mahakali defeated the enemies.' Referring to the month of July, Singh underscored its historical significance for the Indian Armed Forces. 'Twenty-six years ago, in 1999, a military conflict took place between India and Pakistan in the Kargil hills. Pakistan had made a desperate attempt to capture Indian territory. At that time, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Member of Parliament from Lucknow and the Prime Minister of the country, led the nation with a firm resolve that not even an inch of India's land would be surrendered, and he succeeded. Such was our revered leader, Atal Bihari Vajpayee,' he said. Defence Minister also recalled the bravery of Captain Manoj Pandey, who was part of the Gorkha Rifles regiment. 'The battle cry of the Gorkha Rifles is 'Jai Mahakali, Aayo Gurkhali'. Mahakali is considered the force behind bravery in this country. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Kargil War, and on this occasion, we must remember all brave soldiers, including Captain Manoj Pandey, who laid down their lives for Mother India,' he added. Singh also reflected on India's historical legacy, saying, 'India has been an example of economic prosperity and material development for centuries. We have set models of progress and wealth, yet have never used it to fuel geographical expansion or exploitation. This is one of India's greatest strengths.' 'Today, however, India has changed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Alongside development, our country is preserving its heritage. The reconstruction of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Corridor, the Somnath Temple, and the grand temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya are clear examples,' Singh asserted. Speaking about the Badi Kali temple, he urged collective efforts to enhance the grandeur and divinity of the site. 'I assure you of all possible support as your public representative,' he said. The Defence Minister also acknowledged the efforts made for the reconstruction of the temple and noted that a decision has been taken to build a Satsang Bhawan at the site. 'Our Tourism Minister, Jaiveer Singh, has announced the construction of a grand Satsang building here. It will allow the people of Lucknow to participate in spiritual gatherings and rituals. Additionally, a yoga centre will also be built here,' he added. (ANI)
News18
27-06-2025
- General
- News18
Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2025: Dates, Shubh Muhurat, Rituals, And Dos & Don'ts
Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2025: Also known as Varahi or Gayatri Navratri, Ashadha Gupt Navratri will begin on 26th June July 2025 and end on 4th July 2025. This sacred festival is observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Ashadha, which usually falls between June and July. Each day of this Navratri is associated with one of the Dus Mahavidyas, starting from Maa Kali and concluding with Maa Kamala on the tenth day. Unlike the popular Chaitra and Sharad Navratris, this one is observed in secrecy by spiritual seekers and tantriks.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Song - Jai Bagalaamukhii (Lyrical)
Rapper Dresses as Maa Kali in Explicit Video | Outrage Erupts Canadian rapper Tommy Genesis is under fire for her controversial portrayal of Maa Kali in her new music video True Blue. Covered in blue paint, gold jewellery, and a bindi — and seen licking a crucifix while folding hands in 'namaste' — her visuals have enraged both Hindu and Christian communities. The internet exploded with criticism, calling the act 'pathetic,' 'desperate,' and 'deeply disrespectful.' Faith groups and fans alike are demanding the video be removed, reigniting global debates on cultural appropriation and religious insensitivity in art. Tommy Genesis, of Tamil and Swedish descent, has yet to issue a statement. Watch the full controversy breakdown and social media fallout here. 76 views | 3 days ago
