West Bengal Ad Shows 11-Armed Durga, Sparks Political Row
A West Bengal government advertisement depicting Goddess Durga with 11 arms has drawn flak from opposition parties, with BJP's Shamik Bhattacharya weighing in.
A fresh political controversy erupted in West Bengal on Monday after a state government advertisement featured an image of Goddess Durga with 11 arms instead of the traditional 10. The advertisement was issued to invite puja committees to a meeting that was expected to be attended by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
The depiction immediately drew sharp criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], who questioned the accuracy and intent behind the altered imagery. Opposition leaders accused the government of disrespecting religious iconography and called the move a sign of administrative carelessness.
Reacting to the row, BJP leader Shamik Bhattacharya made his stance clear, though his specific remarks were not detailed in the initial reports. His response added another layer to the political slugfest, with all major parties now engaged in a war of words over the advertisement.
The controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding religious symbols in the state, especially during the festive season. As of now, the West Bengal government has not issued an official clarification regarding the error or the backlash.