BJP's Durga Puja Ad With 11-Handed Goddess Draws Ire in Bengal

A print advertisement issued by the West Bengal government to promote a Durga Puja-related programme has ignited a political row after it depicted Goddess Durga with 11 hands instead of the traditional 10.

The advertisement was meant to publicise 'Milan Mela', an event scheduled for Mahalaya. However, the depiction of the Goddess quickly drew criticism from the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC), which accused the ruling BJP of disrespecting Bengal's cultural and religious traditions.

In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, the TMC questioned the representation, stating that the mishandling of Maa Durga's image by the government was deeply insulting. The party asserted that Durga Puja is not merely a festival but an emotion central to Bengal's identity, adding that the government appeared disconnected from the state's culture.

Facing public outrage and political attack, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued an apology. "I apologise for the wrong government advertisement depicting Maa Durga with 11 hands instead of 10. We will be more careful and also have warned the officials," he said at a press conference.

Adhikari also used the opportunity to outline the government's plans for the festive season. He clarified that, unlike the previous TMC administration, his government would not host a Durga Puja carnival. Instead, a large-scale programme is planned at Eden Gardens on Mahalaya, featuring drones, fireworks, and a four-hour show, which is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Additional cultural programmes are slated for six towns, and four ghats along the Ganges in Kolkata will be decorated for the occasion. "We will uphold the Bengali culture this Durga Puja," Adhikari added.