With polls in sight, Bengal BJP revives Durga Puja at Kolkata’s EZCC after 2 yrs

Speaking at the khunti puja, state president Samik Bhattacharya stressed the cultural and apolitical nature of the festival and said, “Maa Durga is inseparable from the Hindu Bengali diaspora.” He highlighted Bengal’s historical tradition of communal harmony during festivals, citing examples of Muslims participating in Durga Puja. He mentioned about a 300-year-old puja in Basirhat where a Muslim family, which has been living there for generations actively participates in the puja.

“In Bengal, Muharram processions and Durga Puja immersion must take place in the same lane at the same time peacefully,” he said, invoking a message of unity.

On being selected as the new president of the West Bengal BJP, Bhattacharya had made similar statements regarding Durga Puja and Muharram

BJP’s revival of Durga Puja at EZCC is seen as strategic outreach to tap into Bengali voters’ cultural and religious sentiments ahead of 2026 polls, strategy that was last employed before the 2021 Assembly elections. This year’s Puja marks a revival of a tradition that was initiated by the BJP in 2020, when the party had organised a grand puja at the EZCC, which was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The puja was held again in 2021, but enthusiasm reportedly waned after the BJP’s electoral defeat.

According to tradition, a puja, once started, must be performed for at least three consecutive years. Following this custom, the Durga Puja at EZCC was held for three consecutive years, concluding in 2022. It was then discontinued in 2023 and 2024, with a smaller, more subdued celebration held at Oikyatan in 2023.

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