Did BJP's Kolkata Procession Target Mamata's Government Over Electrocution Tragedy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP leaders criticized the West Bengal government for the recent electrocution deaths.
- Suvendu Adhikari called for the Chief Minister's resignation.
- The procession was organized by the cultural group ‘Khola Haowa’.
- The event highlights the political tensions in West Bengal.
- 116 Durga Puja committees participated in the carnival despite the tragedy.
Kolkata, Oct 5 (NationPress) Leaders and supporters of the BJP, led by the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, conducted a procession in Kolkata on Sunday, criticizing the West Bengal government for the recent electrocution fatalities in the city.
Adhikari also condemned the state administration for proceeding with the Durga Puja carnival on the same day when northern Bengal was severely affected by heavy rainfall, leading to devastating landslides that claimed at least 20 lives.
The procession was organized by the cultural group ‘Khola Haowa’, which serves as the BJP's think tank in West Bengal. After the Kolkata Police denied permission for the event, the organization sought legal recourse at the Calcutta High Court, which subsequently granted approval for the protest on Sunday.
“Approximately 10 individuals lost their lives after encountering exposed electric wires amidst flooded streets in Kolkata on September 23. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should have postponed the Durga Puja festivities in light of this tragedy. She ought to resign following this incident,” stated Adhikari.
The procession stretched from College Square to Esplanade in central Kolkata.
Later, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for continuing with the puja celebrations.
“The Chief Minister should not have participated in the carnival, especially after hearing of the fatalities in the Darjeeling Hills earlier that day. This highlights the TMC government’s lack of sensitivity,” remarked Bhattacharya.
In response to the BJP leaders' remarks, Trinamool Congress (TMC) state general secretary Kunal Ghosh accused the BJP of engaging in opportunistic politics over the northern Bengal fatalities.
“The BJP seems to have no agenda other than attacking the state government concerning an event that garners international acclaim,” Ghosh added.
About 116 award-winning Durga Puja committees participated in the puja carnival.