With Mahalaya being observed across West Bengal on Sunday, the countdown to Durga Puja has entered its final lap. This Sharadiya (autumnal) Durga Puja is supposed to be the last one before the Assembly elections next year. So, as the festival draws near, politicians across the spectrum, especially from the two largest parties in the state – the BJP and the TMC – can be seen trying to make the most of it to reach out to people.

On the occasion, PM Modi posted on his X handle, “Wishing you all Shubho Mahalaya! As the sacred days of Durga Puja draw near, may our lives be filled with light and purpose. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga bring unwavering strength, lasting joy and wonderful health.”

TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee wrote on X, “Mahalaya marks the triumph of light over darkness. On this auspicious day, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all.

As the dawn of Devi Paksha begins, may Maa Durga bless our lives with courage, compassion and hope.

Let this festive season remind us of the power of unity and the joy of celebrating togetherness.”

Meanwhile, the BJP intensified criticism of the TMC, accusing the ruling party of misusing public funds and attempting to counter the TMC’s narrative of “Bengali Asmita” (Bengali pride). The BJP’s main point of attack centres on the TMC government’s increased financial grants to Durga Puja clubs. The BJP has criticised this policy as a form of “religious appeasement” and a diversion from genuine governance issues, such as development and pending dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees.

The party, political pundits said, is also attempting to counter the TMC’s narrative by showcasing its own connection to Bengali culture and reviving its Durga Puja celebrations at the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) in Kolkata.

“Places where Bengalis reside, across the country, our leaders will go there. I have been given the responsibility to go to Banaras,” said BJP Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar.

BJP State President Samik Bhattacharya, after taking a dip in the Ganga for tarpan rituals, said, “No one has seen Matri boron in Pitri paksha. People in Bengal have always welcomed Maa Durga from Devi paksha suchana (start).”

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, while taking part in a Mahalaya program, said on the sidelines, “There will be no compromise on Puja celebration… Puja should be done as per the Hindu culture. She (Mamata Banerjee) inaugurated puja before Mahalaya. Also, she was wearing a hijab; if she was covering her head from rain, people use umbrellas for that, and she is fit and strong enough to carry her own umbrella. She always does things keeping a particular community in mind.”

State Minister Sashi Panja responded, “He (Suvendu Adhikari) is not a crusader of the Hindu religion. Mamata Banerjee herself clarified yesterday that she was just inaugurating pandals. Out of jealousy, they are yet again trying to spread misinformation. How are they going to worship Maa Durga with such lies? People of Bengal have understood their agenda, and hence they just don’t care about such statements. Those who used to say that Bengal doesn’t celebrate Durga Puja are now accepting that we do and trying to participate in the festival and get mileage.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated three puja pandals on Saturday and is expected to inaugurate around 3,000 puja pandals across the state over the next five days. “Today I am inaugurating the pandals only. From tomorrow (Sunday), I will be unveiling the idols of the Goddess also,” she had clarified while inaugurating the pandal of the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Kolkata.