Should Durga Puja Committees Reject Trinamool Govt Dole to Honor RG Kar Victim?
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Synopsis
West Bengal's LoP Suvendu Adhikari urges Durga Puja Committees to turn down state aid, linking it to the tragic case of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College. This call reflects broader concerns about safety and youth unemployment in the state, positioning the appeal as both a tribute and a statement against the current government's policies.
Key Takeaways
- Adhikari's appeal highlights women's safety concerns.
- Emphasizes youth unemployment issues in West Bengal.
- Calls for community solidarity against state aid.
- Criticism of government spending priorities.
- Sets the stage for a politically charged Durga Puja.
Kolkata, July 31 (NationPress) The West Bengal Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and prominent BJP figure, Suvendu Adhikari, made an appeal on Thursday to the local Durga Puja Committees in the state, urging them to decline the annual financial assistance extended to them. This appeal is made in honor of the junior doctor from the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, who was tragically alleged to have been raped and murdered on the hospital grounds in August of the previous year.
Adhikari further stated that the puja committees should reject the state’s financial support as a show of unity with the countless unemployed youths in the region, whose aspirations for a stable income have been dashed due to the ineffective policies of the Trinamool Congress government.
He remarked, "The victim, whom we refer to as Tilittama or Abhaya, was killed by individuals associated with the Trinamool party. Women in West Bengal are not safe, and the dreams of our youth are being crushed. Therefore, I urge the community puja committees to decline the financial support offered by the state government. Furthermore, those accepting the funds should refrain from displaying any images of Mamata Banerjee at their pandals," he added.
Simultaneously, Adhikari expressed his full backing to those community Durga Puja committees that choose to reject the state’s financial assistance this year. "If you are among those declining the state government’s funds, please reach out to me. I am here to support you," he stated.
This announcement from the LoP follows Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's declaration on the same day to increase the grant for each community Durga Puja committee from Rs 85,000 to Rs 1.1 lakh.
Additionally, CPI-M Central Committee member Sujan Chakraborty criticized Chief Minister Banerjee for the announcement regarding the increased financial aid for the Durga Puja committees.
"Development initiatives in the state have come to a halt due to a depleted treasury. The state-run educational institutions are suffering from insufficient funds, and there are no avenues for job creation. Yet, the state government has opted to raise the financial assistance for festivals, likely due to the upcoming Assembly elections next year," Chakraborty asserted.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the serious issues surrounding women's safety and youth unemployment that are at the forefront of political discourse. The Leader of the Opposition's appeal reflects deeper societal concerns and highlights the responsibility of political leaders to address these pressing matters. Nation always advocates for a robust dialogue on safety and economic opportunities for all citizens.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Suvendu Adhikari's appeal to Durga Puja Committees?
Suvendu Adhikari urged Durga Puja Committees to refuse state financial aid in memory of a junior doctor from R.G. Kar Medical College who was allegedly raped and murdered.
How does this appeal relate to unemployment in West Bengal?
Adhikari stated that rejecting the state aid would show solidarity with the many unemployed youths in West Bengal who are suffering due to the government's policies.
What has been the response from other political figures?
CPI-M member Sujan Chakraborty criticized the state government for increasing the financial aid for Durga Puja while neglecting essential services and employment opportunities.
What changes were announced regarding the financial aid for Durga Puja Committees?
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced an increase in the grant for Durga Puja Committees from Rs 85,000 to Rs 1.1 lakh.
What is the broader implication of this appeal?
The appeal raises important discussions about women's safety, government accountability, and the socio-economic conditions in West Bengal.
