Latest news with #MatriShakti
News18
19-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Jai Shri Ram Vs Jai Ma Kali: BJP Looks To Connect With Bengali 'Asmita', TMC Mocks 'Imitation'
TMC plans to set a narrative that BJP, which once aggressively projected the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram', has been compelled to adopt chants like 'Jai Ma Kali' under its influence The day Samik Bhattacharya was picked and felicitated as the Bengal president of BJP, the presence of Ma Kali's image on stage had sparked wide discussions. Now, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Durgapur, the display of Matri Shakti (divine feminine power) was seen in full force. Starting his speech in Durgapur, PM Modi raised the slogans 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai," followed by 'Jai Ma Durga, Jai Ma Kali". Not only did he raise these chants during his address, but this time, the BJP's official invitation also carried the words 'Jai Ma Durga" and 'Jai Ma Kali". Sensing an opportunity, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is planning to take up the issue strongly. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, 'The prime minister says he wants development. But what does development mean? It means Mamata Banerjee and her government—Maa, Mati, Manush. It was there, it is there, and it will remain. But what has changed? PM Modi. Earlier it was Jai Shri Ram, now it has become Jai Ma Kali. Has PM Modi changed so much? They used to say Mamata Banerjee does not celebrate Durga Puja. Now, 11 years after becoming PM, Bengal has changed him." He added, 'Today, one good thing we observed was that 'Jai Shri Ram' was not uttered even once." TMC insiders reveal that the party plans to set a narrative suggesting that BJP, which once aggressively projected the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram", has now been compelled to adopt chants like 'Jai Ma Kali" and 'Jai Ma Durga" under TMC's influence. The party intends to position itself as understanding Bengali culture deeply, while portraying the BJP as an outsider merely imitating them. However, this theory is countered by another section of political analysts who argue that BJP's strategy is to connect with Bengali asmita (pride)—similar to their approach in Odisha—although the models in both states differ significantly. Over the past decade, the BJP has consistently tried to align with Bengali cultural identity. This time, their focus on the Bengali Renaissance and cultural heritage is aimed at appealing to the bhadra lok (educated middle class). Chants like 'Jai Ma Kali" and 'Jai Ma Durga" resonate deeply with the masses of Bengal, experts say, and this is part of BJP's strategy to establish a cultural connect. However, they clarify that this does not imply 'Jai Shri Ram" is losing relevance. After all, Bengal's biggest festival, Durga Puja, has its mythological roots in Akalabodhana [worship of goddess Durga] by Lord Ram, establishing a strong narrative link. Experts assert that BJP's Bengali asmita agenda is clear—the party will continue to weave cultural, religious, and regional pride into its political messaging in every possible way. view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 11:03 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Ahilyabai Holkar's tercentenary: PM Modi to attend women empowerment convention in Bhopal today
In a landmark celebration of women empowerment, the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Women Empowerment Grand Convention will be held in Bhopal today, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the event. Organised by Matri Shakti (women power), the event marks the inauguration of the 300th birth anniversary year of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, an icon of good governance, self reliance, and women empowerment. 'On behalf of the 85 million people of Madhya Pradesh, I extend a heartfelt welcome to the Prime Minister. It is a matter of great fortune for us that the celebration of the virtuous Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's birth anniversary, to be held over the coming year, is being inaugurated today from the soil of Madhya Pradesh,' Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said in an official statement. Ahilyabai Holkar, the revered 18th-century ruler of the Holkar dynasty, is remembered for rebuilding over 130 temples across India, establishing Maheshwar as a cultural and commercial hub. Her contributions also include granting women rights in property, the right of a widow to adopt a son, and the right to remarry, and made rules to prohibit the dowry system. To promote holistic development in the state, the Chief Minister announced a 'historic' initiative called Destination Cabinet, aimed at promoting tourism. 'This initiative realises the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote tourism. With the aim of remembering our glorious heritage along with modern development and moving forward by drawing inspiration from ideal heroes, we held two cabinet meetings in memory of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar,' the CM said. Two special cabinet meetings under the 'Destination Cabinet' initiative were also conducted in Maheshwar and Indore, aimed at implementing prohibition in 19 sacred sites of the state. The state will also launch the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Training Programme. Carrying forward the legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar, the Madhya Pradesh government also launched the Devi Ahilyabai Women Empowerment Mission, targeting education, health, safety, and economic self-reliance for women. The mission supports goals like improving the girl child sex ratio, reducing maternal mortality, and boosting female participation in the workforce. The initiative aims to strengthen the fourth pillar of the guiding mantra of GYAN — (Garib, Yuva, Kisan, Nari — Poor, Youth, Farmer, Woman).
