The West Bengal government is scaling down plans for a grand Durga Puja programme at Eden Gardens on Mahalaya after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah indicated that they would not be able to attend the event, according to state government sources.
The programme, which was initially planned on a large scale with the participation of the two senior BJP leaders, will reportedly continue despite their absence. However, the size and scope of the arrangements are expected to be reduced.
According to administrative sources, communication has recently reached the state government from Delhi indicating that Modi will not be able to attend the Mahalaya event because of his schedule. Shah is also expected to miss the Eden Gardens programme owing to other engagements.
Governor, Chief Minister among those expected
Despite the absence of the Prime Minister and Home Minister, the event is expected to be attended by West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and members of the state Cabinet.
The Chief Minister's Office has reportedly asked state ministers to remain present at the programme. Invitations have also been extended to prominent personalities from different fields.
The event had assumed added political significance after the BJP came to power in West Bengal in May, defeating the Trinamool Congress. With Adhikari taking over as Chief Minister, the state government had planned a high-profile Durga Puja programme featuring senior central leaders.
State government sources said that, at an earlier stage, both Modi and Shah had indicated their willingness to attend the Kolkata event. Their subsequent scheduling constraints, however, have made their participation difficult.
Shah may still visit Kolkata for Puja inaugurations
Although Shah is unlikely to attend the Mahalaya programme at Eden Gardens, he could still visit Kolkata during the Durga Puja festivities.
According to sources, the Union Home Minister may attend the inauguration of several pujas in the city. Other Union ministers are also expected to visit Kolkata during the festival and take part in Puja-related programmes.
The possibility of multiple senior BJP leaders visiting Kolkata during Durga Puja has generated considerable political interest in the state.
A shift in Bengal's Puja politics?
The expected presence of central ministers at different community pujas is being viewed by sections of the political establishment as a notable change from the pattern seen during the previous Trinamool Congress government.
In earlier years, BJP leaders and Union ministers were frequently associated with Durga Puja celebrations at prominent venues such as Santosh Mitra Square, where BJP leader Sajall Ghosh has been closely associated with the Puja. Party leaders have attended such events both for inaugurations and during Puja visits.
The BJP had also alleged in the past that political influence at the local level restricted the participation of its leaders at some other Puja venues. The political landscape has now changed with the BJP in government in the state.
