Prime Minister Modi, in a virtual speech at Durga Puja, says that “West Bengal always paved the way to India”

Calcutta:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the icons of Bengal and even tried some Bengali when he addressed the Durga Puja pandalos on the opening day of the five-day celebrations in the state.

“Whenever the need was felt in the history of India, Bengal has always led the way for India and shown the way. There have been many renowned people who have come from Bengal and have contributed enormously in guiding the nation in the right direction “, PM Modi said when opening the celebrations of”Shashti“, on the first day of the celebrations, at a Puja in Kolkata’s Salt Lake via a video link.

“The Durga Puja festival is a festival that reflects the unity and strength of India. It is also a reflection of the traditions and culture that comes from Bengal.”

Counting the names of illustrious Bengali sons and daughters, including freedom fighters, writers, artists and others, the prime minister commented: “If I keep taking the names of such Bengalis, the day will end but we will not run out of names.”

The prime minister interspersed his praise of Bengal and Bengalis with an inventory of his government’s plans and how they have helped the state. “Women are the symbol of Maa Durga; we are working for the empowerment of women through various policies and schemes,” she said, referring to “Beti Bachao, Beti Padao.”

It also delivered a warning of coronavirus precautions, especially with videos showing crowds in Bengal throwing precautions into the winds. “I urge everyone to ensure distancing and wear masks during the celebrations at all times,” he said.

Many pointed out that the political significance of his Durga Puja speech could not be overlooked as the state rushes into elections just months away.

The BJP made elaborate arrangements for the live display of PM Modi’s virtual address. Television screens were placed in the 78,000 voting booth areas across the state.

Durga Puja is the most important festival in Bengal and offers a great opportunity for public outreach.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, facing a tough challenge from the BJP as she contemplates a third consecutive term for her Trinamool Congress in Bengal, has opened 200 bids virtually and more than a dozen in person in the city of Calcutta.

Last year, Interior Minister Amit Shah’s decision to open a Durga Puja caused a lot of controversy.

For the past 10 years, Mamata Banerjee has made her presence in Puja pandals so strong that in some pandals of the past, Durga’s idols looked like the chief minister, dressed like her, and even wore the distinctive Hawaiian chappals.

The BJP, which is aggressively campaigning to overthrow Mamata Banerjee in Bengal, has been trying to break into the Durga Puja circuit, especially after the state government announced a 50,000 rupee grant to the puja committees.