Did Prime Minister Modi Really Contribute to the UNESCO Heritage Tag for Durga Puja?
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Synopsis
The Trinamool Congress has strongly countered PM Modi's claims regarding the UNESCO Heritage status for Durga Puja. This article delves into the political tensions surrounding the recognition, highlighting perspectives from both the TMC and BJP leaders.
Key Takeaways
- Durga Puja received UNESCO Heritage status in 2021.
- PM Modi's claims are contested by TMC leaders.
- The debate has political implications ahead of the 2026 elections.
- Both TMC and BJP claim credit for the recognition.
- The research by Tapati Guha Thakurta is highlighted by BJP.
Kolkata, Sep 29 (NationPress) The Trinamool Congress leadership on Monday dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that the UNESCO Heritage designation for West Bengal’s Durga Puja stemmed from the Union government’s efforts.
The Prime Minister made this assertion during his “Mann Ki Baat” broadcast on Sunday.
In a sharp rebuttal, West Bengal’s Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya stated that although the state’s Durga Puja received the UNESCO Heritage tag in 2021, this marks the first instance of the Prime Minister claiming credit for the achievement.
“Is this part of the party’s strategy for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections? Such tactics will not prevail. The populace of West Bengal knows that the credit for elevating Durga Puja onto the global stage belongs to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee,” Bhattacharya emphasized.
Trinamool Congress state general secretary Kunal Ghosh asserted that neither the previous Left Front government nor the current BJP-led Union government can take credit for the UNESCO Heritage designation.
He explained that the entire documentation for this recognition was conducted by the state government.
“Since Mamata Banerjee assumed the role of Chief Minister of West Bengal, she has prioritized Durga Puja to ensure that the festival is recognized globally. Thus, all credit for this international acknowledgment belongs to her and her administration,” Ghosh stated.
Conversely, the state BJP leadership argued that the credit for West Bengal’s Durga Puja receiving the UNESCO Heritage designation belongs to researcher Tapati Guha Thakurta for her extensive work on the festival.
“It was the Union Ministry of Culture that acknowledged her research and utilized it as a foundational document at the international level, which ultimately led to UNESCO awarding the Heritage tag to West Bengal’s Durga Puja,” said state BJP general secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay.
Point of View
It is crucial to present the differing viewpoints on this matter. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of political narratives, where both the ruling party and the opposition seek to claim credit for significant cultural recognitions. Ultimately, the people of West Bengal will decide whose contributions they acknowledge.
NationPress
29/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNESCO Heritage tag?
The UNESCO Heritage tag is a designation given to cultural sites that hold outstanding universal value, recognizing their importance to humanity.
When was the Durga Puja recognized as UNESCO Heritage?
Durga Puja was awarded the UNESCO Heritage status in 2021.
Who is Tapati Guha Thakurta?
Tapati Guha Thakurta is a researcher whose work on Durga Puja was instrumental in the recognition by UNESCO.
What does TMC stand for?
TMC stands for Trinamool Congress, a major political party in West Bengal.
What is the BJP's stance on the Durga Puja Heritage tag?
The BJP claims that credit for the UNESCO Heritage tag should go to the Union Ministry of Culture and the research conducted by Tapati Guha Thakurta.
