Amit Shah to inaugurate Durga Puja in Kolkata amid political buzz

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit West Bengal this week during the Durga Puja festivities. He is also scheduled to inaugurate two prominent Durga Puja pandals in the city. The Home Minister's visit is expected on Maha Chaturthi (Friday), given the BJP's efforts to consolidate its presence in the state ahead of next year's elections.

According to reports, Shah will arrive in Kolkata by Friday afternoon and is set to inaugurate the puja at Santosh Mitra Square and and another one at the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC). Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja, notably is associated with BJP leader Sajal Ghosh.

Over the years, Ghosh has earned a reputation for spectacular pandal themes at Santosh Mitra Square. The puja has previously showcased replicas of the Ram Mandir and Delhi's Red Fort. This year, as the puja enters its 90th year, the theme has been titled Operation Sindoor.

The EZCC puja, meanwhile, is being organsied by the Paschim Banga Sanskritik Mancha, an organisation with strong BJP links. It is, however, not branded as a "BJP puja." According to reports, the party leaders are directly involved in its planning and execution. Even during the Khuti Puja (foundation ritual), Bengal BJP president Sukanta Manjumdar and other state leaders were present.

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Interestingly, the EZCC puja has a history of shifting political affiliations. Initially launched during the tenure of Mukul Roy, first as a Trinamool Congress leader, later as a BJP strategist, the event was closely associated with the BJP during Dilip Ghosh's term as state party president. However, the puja went dormant for the past two years before being revived this year under the BJP's informal stewardship. According to sources, Shah may also attend a third puja depending on last minute changes.