Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata

Kolkata, Sep 28: BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya on Saturday strongly criticised the West Bengal government, calling its alleged efforts to halt Durga Puja at Santosh Mitra Square “utterly shameful.” The Puja this year was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Malviya accused the TMC-led Mamata Banerjee administration of actively obstructing the worship of Goddess Durga, citing attempts to stop the Puja before it began and opposition to the light-and-sound show “Operation Sindoor.” He claimed barricades were being set up across Kolkata streets to prevent devotees from participating.

“The way the West Bengal government is making every possible effort to stop the Durga Puja at Santosh Mitra Square, inaugurated this year by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is utterly shameful,” Malviya wrote on X. He added that such actions aim to deprive people of India of their national pride and warned that continued obstruction could force Puja organisers to immerse the idol before Dashami.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Durga Puja pandal on Friday, praying to the goddess and expressing hope that the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections bring a government capable of restoring the state’s “Sonar Bangla” glory. He spoke of a vision for a “safe, prosperous, and peaceful Bengal,” echoing the dreams of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

“I have prayed to Maa Durga that the next government should work to build a ‘Sonar Bangla’ — a Bengal that is secure, prosperous, and abundant, fulfilling the vision of Kavi Guru Tagore,” Shah said.

He also extended greetings to the people of West Bengal and across India, highlighting the festival’s cultural significance. “This nine-day Navratri festival is not only cherished in Bengal and across India but admired globally. For nine days, people dedicate themselves to the worship of Shakti, showcasing the rich tradition of Bengal to the world,” Shah added.