A political controversy has erupted over the Durga Puja pandal at Santosh Mitra Square in central Kolkata, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The dispute centers on police restrictions and crowd management measures implemented at the site.
BJP leader Sajal Ghosh has accused the Kolkata Police of deliberately obstructing visitors’ access to the puja pavilion, claiming that barricades were placed, and notices were issued to the light and sound company managing the event. Ghosh alleged that these actions are politically motivated, aimed at preventing the public from witnessing a pandal highlighting the achievements of the Central government, particularly the theme Operation Sindoor.
The Kolkata Police, however, rejected these allegations. Commissioner Manoj Verma stated, “Crowd management is done at all the mandaps to manage large visitor numbers. There can be no compromise with public safety.” The police confirmed that the notices issued sought standard documentation from the sound company, including licenses, agreements, GST papers, and sound limiter approvals, in compliance with Calcutta High Court orders and Pollution Control Board regulations.
The BJP leader claimed that police restrictions, including barricading areas near Sealdah station, were intentionally designed to reduce footfall to the pandal. He described the actions as a vendetta by the ruling Trinamool Congress, aimed at undermining a puja pavilion that celebrates Central government initiatives, including cross-border security measures.
Trinamool Congress state general secretary Kunal Ghosh dismissed these claims, saying, “The police are managing the crowd for public safety. Sajal Ghosh is finding politics in everything.”
The Santosh Mitra Square puja, which this year carries the theme Operation Sindoor, has received widespread public praise for its creative presentation. In 2023, the same committee’s theme focused on the Ram Mandir, which was also inaugurated by Amit Shah.