As protests intensify over the recent rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata, BJP leader Sajal Ghosh, a prominent figure in the Durga Puja celebrations, has called on all Puja committees across West Bengal to reject the state government’s Rs 85,000 honorarium. This move, he argues, would serve as a protest against the government’s “failure to ensure women’s safety.”
Ghosh, the chief organizer of the widely attended Santosh Mitra Square Puja in North Kolkata, has long been known for creating themed pandals that attract large crowds. Speaking to PTI, Ghosh expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the current administration. “Women are being violated, raped, and murdered in public spaces, workplaces, and even their homes under Mamata Banerjee’s regime. The government has failed to protect them. When public outrage grows, she blames everyone but herself,” Ghosh stated.
He specifically referenced the recent case where a young woman doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at her hospital, with only one arrest made so far. “In light of this tragic event, it would be paradoxical for Puja committees to accept the Rs 85,000 grant from a government that has shown such a lack of concern for women’s safety,” Ghosh added.
Despite the tragedy, Ghosh mentioned that his committee has not altered its original plans for the Puja celebrations, which include a dazzling display of lights and a spectacular sphere of illumination. He did, however, leave open the possibility of paying tribute to the victim, saying, “We are considering it, but nothing has been finalized yet. The Puja is a time when people want to escape from their sorrows and stress.”
Ghosh noted that his Puja committee has historically refused financial support from the state, except for the first year when the government offered Rs 10,000 to every community Durga Puja.
In response to Ghosh’s appeal, Debashis Kumar, the chief organizer of the popular Tridhara Sammilani Puja and a TMC MLA, challenged Ghosh to seek a vote among all Durga Puja committees regarding the acceptance of the honorarium. “If Ghosh is so certain about the committees’ opinions, he should initiate a vote. Otherwise, his statements are merely political posturing,” Kumar told PTI.
Kumar further criticized Ghosh for linking the tragic incident with Durga Puja celebrations, accusing him of “insulting the sentiments of thousands of Hindus and Puja organizers across the state.”
Partha Ghosh, president of the Shivmandir Puja Committee and a founding member of the Forum for Durgotsab, also weighed in on the controversy. He suggested that the decision to accept the state honorarium should be left to the discretion of each individual Puja committee.