Some districts are turning into Bangladesh, says Samik Bhattacharya during Khunti Puja

State BJP President Samik Bhattacharya expressed deep concern over the rising wave of fundamentalism across West Bengal during a Durga Puja Khunti Puja event at College Square on Thursday. Drawing a direct parallel to neighboring Bangladesh, Bhattacharya alleged that certain districts in the state are witnessing similar hostile conditions where traditional religious practices are being systematically curbed. He pointed out instances where citizens are reportedly being restricted from blowing conch shells during rituals or chanting traditional hymns during last rites.

Bhattacharya strongly criticized the previous Trinamool Congress government for commercializing the sacred event and turning Durga Puja into a mere seasonal festival. He emphasized that the core spiritual essence of the ritual must be strictly preserved rather than being treated as secular entertainment. According to him, the mass appeal of Durga Puja relies entirely on the presence and reverence of the deity, warning that focusing solely on modern themes while sidelining the traditional idol would distance the public from the celebrations.

Reflecting on historical precedents, the BJP leader recalled how political stalwarts like Syama Prasad Mookerjee had historically fought alone against the atrocities faced by minority communities in East Pakistan after failing to secure broader political consensus at the time. Bhattacharya noted that contemporary security challenges, such as the brutal double murder of idol artisans Hargobinda Das and Chandan Das in Murshidabad, mirror cross-border extremism. He concluded by asserting that the upcoming Durga Puja festivities must be conducted smoothly and safely across all districts of West Bengal without yielding to external pressures.