KOLKATA, Oct 29: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday expressed grief over the Chorbagan puja stampede, which claimed 19 lives, and stressed the need for greater public vigilance to prevent similar tragedies.
Speaking at a Bijaya Sammelani in Bhabanipur, south Kolkata, Adhikari emphasised the importance of protecting the state’s cultural heritage while ensuring public safety and preventing the untimely loss of lives.
He also appealed to people to maintain social harmony regardless of political differences or electoral outcomes, saying that mutual support and solidarity should remain central to society.
” Elections will come and go. In the great system of democracy, one will win and others will lose. But throughout the year, we must maintain harmony among ourselves and stand by each other in times of need,” he said.
Describing Bhabanipur as a reflection of India’s cultural and social diversity, the chief minister said the constituency represented a miniature version of the country and held special significance for him.
Adhikari further highlighted initiatives undertaken by the police to strengthen public engagement, revealing that 80 police stations in Kolkata and 452 police stations across West Bengal had organised Bijaya Sammelanis.
He said Durga Puja and Bijaya celebrations represented more than customary exchanges of greetings and sweets, describing them as an integral part of Bengal’s cultural legacy that should be preserved for future generations.
Highlighting the state’s artistic richness, he referred to cultural performances organised during a Durga Puja programme at Eden Gardens. These included Cooch Behar’s Bhawaiya folk tradition, dances from the hill regions, Jhargram’s Jhumur, Purulia’s Chhau, Bonbibi pala from South 24 Parganas and traditional dhak performances.
Reflecting on West Bengal’s contribution to India’s industrial, economic and educational development after Independence, Adhikari said the state had gradually lost its earlier position but expressed confidence that its fortunes could be restored.
Recalling the vision of former chief minister Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, he said the efforts to build a progressive and prosperous Bengal would be carried forward collectively.
“Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy had started the work and dreamt of a new Bengal. We will carry that forward together,” he said.