The BJP is all set to leave its imprint on Bengal’s biggest festival — issuing a fresh set of rules and guidelines that will change much. What might hit the common man more is the declaration of a dry day on Ashtami — the biggest day of the festival. For starters, there will be no more state funds for the big puja — something former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had practised for the better part of 15 years.
Last puja, the Trinamool government had given a grant of Rs 1.10 lakh to each puja committee. Adhikari said as the Chief Minister, he could not pay for a religious festival.
Adhikari also announced a big change in the celebrations held by the government. Adhikari had started today’s meeting with the puja committees – where the announcements were made – with an apology. No DJ music will be allowed for either puja or on immersion day”. Big budget pujas please don’t take government aid. Instead of the carnival favoured by the Trinamool, the BJP will go with a four-hour programme at the Eden Gardens. “We will instead hold the largest programme at Eden Gardens on Mahalaya.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has issued several other strictures as well: “National highways cannot be blocked for pujo… In Kolkata, 14 roads cannot be shut for pujo… Last puja, the Trinamool government had given a grant of Rs 1.10 lakh to each puja committee. There will be drones, fireworks and the entire programme will be 4 hours long.
“I urge all puja committees to follow these guidelines,” he had added. Adhikari said as the Chief Minister, he could not pay for a religious festival. “I had said the state will not give dole for big Durga pujas in the state. I will thank you separately,” he said. We will also hold roadshows,” said Adhikari, underscoring that it will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The image of an 11-handed idol has provided much ammunition to the opposition Trinamool Congress, which has called it an example of the government “trivialising” the Goddess and the state’s culture.
