A heated controversy has erupted over a Ganesh Puja organised at Belur Bazar in Howrah, near Kolkata. The puja features a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ (Hindu Nation) theme.
The display depicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lord Ganesha seated together, both holding cups of tea – a representation of the ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ (discussion over tea) concept. It is a personal initiative and he introduces a unique theme every year, he added. Religious sentiments should not be hurt”.
The organiser – Khokan Kanra, a promoter by profession – said he has been organising this puja for a long time. As for this year’s theme, he said it is his brainchild and has received a positive response from the public. “It is not my intention to offend any religion, and the allegations that I am doing this because I have recently joined the BJP are completely baseless,” he said. “I conceived this theme by viewing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a symbol of the nation and Lord Ganesha as a symbol of religion,” he added. Amiya Sarkar, secretary of VHP’s eastern region, had said that they only requested the Puja organisers that themes chosen for the Durga Puja pandals not be “against the Indian culture, its spirituality and national morale.
The Ganesh Puja theme was criticised by opposition Trinamool Congress. “This should not be done.
I do not know if the BJP leadership or the Prime Minister is aware of this, but the district and state BJP units should take strict action against those responsible,” he said.
