Howrah Ganesh Puja With Modi-Ganesha Display Sparks Row

A Ganesh Puja in Belur Bazar, in West Bengal's Howrah district near Kolkata, has become the centre of a political row over its theme. The pandal is built around the idea of a 'Hindu Rashtra', with the words inscribed on the backdrop and a map of India and a Hindu flag placed nearby.

The centrepiece shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lord Ganesha seated together, each holding a cup of tea, drawing on the 'Chai Pe Charcha' concept. Images of the display have circulated widely on social media, prompting intense discussion.

Khokan Kanra, a promoter who organises the puja, said the event is a long-running personal initiative and that he chooses a new theme every year. He described this year's concept as his own idea and said it has been well received by the public.

Kanra rejected suggestions that he was motivated by political affiliation, calling allegations that he acted because he had recently joined the BJP baseless. He said he had no intention of offending any religion, and that he conceived the theme by viewing the Prime Minister as a symbol of the nation and Lord Ganesha as a symbol of religion.

The controversy follows a separate debate over comments by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on theme pujas during Durga Puja. After reports of the right-wing group's reservations, the VHP issued a clarification. Amiya Sarkar, secretary of its eastern region, said the organisation had only asked organisers not to choose themes that go against Indian culture, spirituality and national morale, and that religious sentiments should not be hurt.

The Trinamool Congress criticised the Howrah display. Arup Roy, a TMC leader and MLA from Central Howrah, said people who had recently joined the BJP were trying to curry favour through such acts. He said the district and state BJP units should take strict action against those responsible, adding that he did not know whether the BJP leadership or the Prime Minister was aware of the matter.

The BJP, however, saw nothing objectionable in the theme. Howrah district BJP secretary Omprakash Singh said he did not know who had organised the event but found nothing wrong with it, noting that West Bengal sees a wide variety of puja themes, including during Durga Puja. He disagreed with Roy's remarks and said that under the previous Trinamool government, people had to approach the courts merely to hold a puja. Singh added that the district BJP would deliberate on the issue and act if necessary.