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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Temple politics in Bengal: How Mamata Banerjee is trying to counter BJP's 'Jai Ma Kali' push
NEW DELHI: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who is often accused of appeasement politics by her opponents, seems to be charting new waters to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the political temperatures rise ahead of the 2026 West Bengal assembly election. In the recent bypoll in Nadia's Kaliganj assembly segment, BJP, which although lost the election, felt that the party had significant takeaway from the results - consolidation of Hindu votes. "We have been able to reap the benefits of assimilating Hindu votes in the region. The effort has paid off since we have received an overwhelming majority of votes from Hindu-dominated areas like Palassey," Suvendu Adhikari, leader of opposition, said. This perhaps explains Mamata's recent visible tilt towards soft Hindutva as she tries to do a course correction. With the grand inauguration of Rs 250 crore Jagannath Dham in April, and now the announcement of 'Durga Angan' project, Mamata is signaling a deliberate recalibration of her ideological narrative, long dominated by BJP. The 'Durga Angan' gambit With the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections looming, the chief minister has moved to the heart of the state's cultural and religious identity with her announcement to create 'Durga Angan', a grand year-round temple complex dedicated to Ma Durga. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's The Estimated Cost of a 1-day Walk-in Shower Upgrade Homebuddy Learn More Undo "Just as we developed Jagannath Dham, we will create 'Durga Angan' so that people can visit and experience it throughout the year," the TMC chief said. Interestingly, the announcement comes at a time when BJP is swiftly invoking Bengal centric religious symbols like 'Jai Ma Kali' and 'Jai Ma Durga' in its campaign narrative. On July 18, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked the Goddesses at the beginning of his speech in Durgapur as he said that BJP is the only party that truly respects and protects Bengali 'ashmita' (pride). Later Banerjee, targeting PM directly during Martyrs' Day rally asked: "Why is it that you suddenly start remembering Ma Kali and Ma Durga only during the elections? Ma Durga is our revered goddess, and Durga Puja has even received international recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Now listen, just as we developed Jagannath Dham, we will create 'Durga Angan' so that people can visit and experience it throughout the year. " The CM, however, gave no timeline or details of the project. BJP slams TMC's Hindu symbolism Soon after Mamata's announcement, BJP slammed the decision as unconstitutional, alleging misuse of public funds to promote religion and branding it a political ploy to woo Hindu votes traditionally gravitating toward BJP. Suvendu Adhikari, leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, asked, "No religious institution - temple, mosque, church or gurudwara - can be built using taxpayers' money." He accused Mamata of misusing public funds and ignoring constitutional benchmarks. He further added, "She hasn't read the Constitution, nor does she understand her own religion. She must educate herself before making such statements." TMC defends its faith credentials TMC spokesperson Riju Dutta, in rebuttal, pointed out Mamata Banerjee's long-standing spiritual affinity and said, "She performed Kali Puja at home even before entering politics. Building temples like Jagannath Dham or Durga Angan stems from genuine faith." He also cited prior state support for thousands of grassroots Durga Pujas and securing a Unesco heritage tag for the festival as evidence of the TMC's longstanding cultural engagement. "She has supported thousands of grassroots Durga Pujas with financial grants and helped secure UNESCO's heritage tag for the festival. She even organises the annual Durga Puja Carnival. Does that not count? BJP mocks Jagannath Dham as a 'theme park' and now questions her faith, people will judge them," he added. Why temple projects matter for TMC In West Bengal, the BJP election campaigns have focused on alleged Muslim appeasement by TMC, drawing support from Hindu voters. This has been especially effective in districts such as Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas. As Mamata government fights the aftermath of recent riots in Murshidabad, rapes in Kolkata medical college and B-school, the temple projects help TMC's double strategy of blending soft Hindutva symbolism with welfare-centric politics. These moves also come at a time when BJP has brought in Samik Bhattacharya, a staunch party loyalist with deep RSS roots to lead BJP state unit president marking a strategic move by the central leadership to stabilise the state unit amid internal rifts and prepare it for the 2026 Assembly elections. Since the BJP's 2021 assembly poll defeat, the organisation has suffered desertions, infighting, and setbacks in the 2023 Panchayat polls, 2024 Lok Sabha elections and recent bypoll in Kaliganj. In the 2021 assembly elections, TMC secured 48.02% vote share and 215 out of 292 seats, while BJP captured 37.97% but only 77 seats. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, TMC won 29 of 42 seats with approximately 45.76% vote share, up from around 43.3% in 2019; BJP fell to 12 seats with 38.73%, from 40.7% in 2019. While TMC retains advantage, Mamata's recent turn toward Hindu imagery appears bipartisan in purpose: a fence-mending strategy with Hindu voters while reinforcing her base among minority groups and welfare beneficiaries. As Banerjee positions herself at the cross-section of symbolism and state resources, her gamble may well be to preempt BJP's Hindutva allure. For now, the electoral arithmetic still favors TMC, but the game is tightening. In Bengal's increasingly polarised politics, religious symbolism is now a shared battlefield, and Mamata is choosing to play offense.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP will say ‘Joy Bangla' after 2026 assembly polls: Abhishek
Kolkata: Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Monday said he would ensure that after 'Joy Ma Kali' and 'Joy Ma Durga', BJP would also say 'Joy Bangla' after the 2026 assembly polls. Speaking at the Martyrs' Day rally at Esplanade, Banerjee said: "BJP used to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' earlier but now are saying 'Joy Ma Kali' and 'Joy Ma Durga'. Mark my words and write this down, I will make them say 'Joy Bangla' after the 2026 elections. " "This is a victory for Trinamool Congress, this is a victory for the people of Bengal. BJP now has to bow before the very people it wanted to starve (by blocking central funds) and say 'Joy Ma Kali' and 'Joy Ma Durga'. This is a victory for 12 crore farmers, labourers, youth, tapashilis, Adivasis, and a victory for the culture and heritage of Bengal," he said. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata "They used the income tax department to disturb Durga Puja committees and stop Durga Puja. They insulted Durga Puja, and now they have to say 'Joy Ma Durga'," he said. "We will proudly speak Bengali. We should make a rule that in this session, we will speak Bengali in Parliament. Let me see who stops us. We are the children of Bengal, and we will not surrender," the MP added. Banerjee said: "Before 2021, we said 'Khela Hobe'. This time we are saying 'Poddo Phool Upre Fela Hobe (we will uproot the lotus)'." "Why is BJP so irritated if someone speaks Bengali? Is it because they could not win in Bengal?" the Trinamool neta said. "Last month, I said that BJP would not cross 50 seats in Bengal. I do not make political predictions, but when I do, I do so after proper thought and with faith in the people." "I can responsibly say that the way these people have humiliated, oppressed, tortured, insulted and exploited the people of Bengal day after day, just for their arrogance, ego, and pride, the few handfuls of Bangla-birodhi who are left — we have to oust them and throw them into the Bay of Bengal," he said. Referring to the special intensive revision (SIR) by EC in Bihar, Banerjee said: "Thrity-two years ago on July 21, in demand of photo-based identification, 13 people sacrificed their lives to return democratic rights to the people of the country. On July 21, 2025, if we, the Trinamool workers, have to sacrifice our lives on the roads to stop the scam by Election Commission, we will do it. We will not let them it on Bengal's voter list. If required, Trinamool will organise a greater movement in Delhi with the permission of CM Mamata Banerjee." Banerjee also slammed Assam govt for trying to slap NRC notices on people from Bengal. "This time, they are using the Assam Foreign Tribunal, which does not hold any power in the land of Bengal, to send letters to our Rajbanshi brothers and label them Bangladeshi. Is it a crime to speak in Bengali? We will speak in Bengali. The more we do, the more they get irritated. Be proud to speak in Bengali," he said.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Is ‘Durga Angan' Mamata Banerjee's Answer to BJP's ‘Jai Ma Kali' Shift? Analysts Decode Speech
Last Updated: Mamata Banerjee asked, 'Why is it that you start remembering Ma Kali only during polls?" Bengal BJP President Shamik Bhattacharya questioned TMC's sudden love for Bengali Following Chief Minister (CM) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee's speech at the Martyrs' Day rally on Monday, political circles in Bengal are abuzz with speculation that the proposed 'Durga Angan' is a direct counter to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) recent shift toward invoking Bengali religious symbols like 'Jai Ma Kali' and 'Jai Ma Durga' in its campaign narrative. During her speech, Banerjee asked pointedly, 'Why is it that you suddenly start remembering Ma Kali and Ma Durga only during the elections? Ma Durga is our revered goddess, and Durga Puja has even received international recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Now listen—just as we developed Jagannath Dham, we will create 'Durga Angan' so that people can visit and experience it throughout the year." This statement has made one thing clear: Banerjee is planning to construct a permanent, temple-like complex dedicated to Ma Durga, where devotees and tourists can visit year-round—an ambitious move ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. BJP's shift from 'Jai Shri Ram' to 'Matru Shakti' Experts observing Bengal's evolving political landscape say that the BJP, in its bid to connect more deeply with Bengali sentiments, has strategically shifted its religious rhetoric—from 'Jai Shri Ram' to symbols of Matru Shakti like 'Jai Ma Kali' and 'Jai Ma Durga'. TMC insiders believe Banerjee is not willing to let the BJP dominate this cultural-religious space. After promoting the Jagannath Temple project in Digha as an outreach to Hindu voters, she now seems focused on strengthening her connect with Bengal's core religious identity—centered on Ma Durga. While some local Durga temples exist, the scale and visibility of Durga Angan suggest a much larger political and cultural plan. Observers believe that the 2026 Assembly elections will revolve around three major themes: Bengali identity (Asmita), the alleged inclusion of bogus voters, and religious polarisation. Symbols like Ram, Ma Kali, Ma Durga, and temple-building will become significant talking points. Political analysts say the Jagannath temple initiative reflected Banerjee's attempt to reach out to Hindu voters amid accusations of minority appeasement. But Ma Durga and Ma Kali—iconic figures in Bengal's spiritual consciousness—strike a more emotional chord with the Bengali electorate. Durga Angan, therefore, is expected to be a key part of TMC's election strategy. 'We are ready to lay down our lives, but we will never accept @BJP4India 's attack on the Bengali language. Starting 27th July, protest rallies will be held every Saturday and Sunday, with the participation of people from all linguistic communities. If you come across any migrant… — All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) July 21, 2025 Mamata Banerjee launches Bengali language movement In a fresh political thrust, Banerjee has issued a clarion call for a Bengali Language Movement across the state beginning July 27. She has directed her MPs to stage a dharna outside Parliament in New Delhi to protest alleged discrimination against Bengali-speaking citizens. According to the TMC, several Bengali speakers are being branded as illegal immigrants and are receiving NRC notices. Mamata declared: 'If they arrest more Bengalis, we will take this fight to Delhi. There will be another Bhasha Andolan. They can't harass people just for speaking Bengali." TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee also announced that party MPs will begin delivering speeches in Bengali if necessary to assert linguistic rights. Mamata Banerjee threatens to gherao EC over SIR The Chief Minister also took aim at the Election Commission and raised alarms over the State Electoral Roll (SIR) issue, warning of voter list manipulation. She accused the BJP of winning in Maharashtra and Delhi by including bogus voters and deleting genuine ones. 'They have forcefully defeated the opposition in Maharashtra. In Bihar, they deleted names. If Bengal is next on their list, we will respond. I'm known for my movements. If names are deleted here, I will take to the streets again," Banerjee declared. Abhishek Banerjee reinforced this sentiment, saying, 'The BJP is unleashing two Es — Election Commission to control voters, and the Enforcement Directorate to silence opposition leaders." 'We are ready to lay down our lives, but we will never accept @BJP4India 's attack on the Bengali language. Starting 27th July, protest rallies will be held every Saturday and Sunday, with the participation of people from all linguistic communities. If you come across any migrant… — All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) July 21, 2025 Mamata Banerjee targets Assam, plans protest Taking a direct shot at Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Banerjee accused him of interfering in Bengal's affairs while failing to govern his own state. She instructed TMC leader Sushmita Dev to organize a major protest in Assam, stating: 'You can't manage Assam, but you're meddling in Bengal. We will all join a protest there." BJP hits back: TMC compromising national security Responding sharply, Bengal BJP President Shamik Bhattacharya alleged that the TMC is compromising national security by enabling the entry of Rohingyas. He questioned the TMC's sudden love for Bengali language, citing the Daribhit incident: 'Where was their Bengali pride when students were shot for demanding Bengali teachers in Daribhit? They won't be in power next year." As Bengal moves closer to the 2026 polls, it's clear that Bengali identity, religious symbolism, and electoral integrity will dominate the political narrative. Mamata's Durga Angan and her renewed push for linguistic rights are now central to the TMC's battle to retain power—setting the stage for a high-stakes ideological showdown. About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Bharatiya Janata Party Mamata Banerjee news18 specials Trinamool Congress (TMC) view comments Location : Kolkata, India, India First Published: July 21, 2025, 18:28 IST News politics Is 'Durga Angan' Mamata Banerjee's Answer to BJP's 'Jai Ma Kali' Shift? Analysts Decode Speech Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
