NewDelhi: As West Bengal gears up for its grandest cultural celebration — Durga Puja — the festival has taken on a distinctly political hue this year.
With the 2026 Assembly elections looming, both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) are leveraging the festive fervour to connect with voters and consolidate their political ground.
The BJP has intensified its outreach to Bengali voters, especially those residing outside the state but retaining voting rights in Bengal. The party is organising cultural events, awareness drives, and community gatherings in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru — areas with significant Bengali populations. These events aim to showcase Bengal’s cultural heritage while promoting the BJP’s vision of a “developed Bengal.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly been invited to participate in Durga Puja celebrations in the state, signalling the BJP’s high-stakes involvement in the festivities. The party is also planning “Sneha Milan” (community bonding) and “Chai Pe Charcha” (discussions over tea) events in over 100 districts across India where migrant Bengali Hindus reside.
The ruling TMC is not holding back. The party is using Durga Puja pandals as platforms to highlight issues such as the alleged mistreatment of Bengali migrant workers in BJP-ruled states. Some pandals are being themed around these narratives, aiming to strike an emotional chord with the electorate.
TMC’s strategy appears to be rooted in countering the BJP’s nationalistic messaging by reinforcing regional pride and cultural identity. The party is also engaging with influential members of the Bengali diaspora to maintain its stronghold.
Political analysts believe that this cultural-political crossover is not new to Bengal, but the scale and intensity this year are unprecedented. Both parties are attempting to turn the festival into a soft campaign ground, using symbolism, community engagement, and emotional appeal to sway public sentiment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also instructed BJP MPs to actively participate in local festivals, further blurring the lines between celebration and campaigning.
As Durga Puja unfolds, it is clear that the battle for Bengal is not just being fought in rallies and debates — but also in the heart of its cultural traditions.
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