Why Was the Durga Puja Carnival Not Canceled Despite Flooding? Mamata Banerjee Explains
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Synopsis
In a recent statement, Mamata Banerjee addressed the reasons the Durga Puja carnival proceeded despite ongoing floods. With foreign delegates present and her role deemed crucial, she defended the decision against political criticism. Discover the balance of cultural pride and disaster management in this intriguing narrative.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee emphasized her role at the Durga Puja carnival.
- The presence of foreign delegates influenced the decision to hold the event.
- Initial crisis management requires at least 48 hours post-disaster.
- The Chief Minister remained engaged with officials regarding flood responses.
- Criticism of the Union government's lack of support during crises.
Kolkata, Oct 7 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, stated on Tuesday that the Durga Puja carnival could not be called off owing to the attendance of foreign delegations. She emphasized her essential role at the event, which prevented her from visiting North Bengal, although she maintained constant communication with officials for updates regarding the flood circumstances.
“The local administration requires a minimum of 48 hours to initiate crisis management following any disaster. Some individuals are merely politicizing the situation by questioning the rationale behind organizing the carnival at this time. They overlook that this carnival symbolizes the pride of Bengal. How could the community Durga Puja committees, eager to join the festivities, be let down? The presence of international guests made it impossible to cancel,” the Chief Minister remarked to the media in Siliguri on Tuesday afternoon.
She further asserted that her presence in North Bengal on Sunday would have significantly disrupted the initial crisis management efforts.
“The presence of VVIPs would have placed pressure on the police, forcing them to choose between attending to the public or managing the movements of VIPs,” the Chief Minister added.
Additionally, she noted that she was actively monitoring the flood situation from Kolkata.
“On October 5, I convened a meeting with the Chief Secretary and the state’s Director General of Police at 5 a.m. Emergency response teams from disaster management, fire services, and police arrived at affected areas by 9 a.m. The administration was on high alert; otherwise, the loss of lives could have been significantly higher,” she stated.
Moreover, she criticized the Union government, claiming it only requests reports from the state government within 24 hours during disasters instead of offering support and assistance.
“Whenever a crisis arises, the Union government always demands a report within 24 hours. Sometimes, it takes as long as 15 days to compile the report. However, even after reports are submitted, the Union government fails to provide necessary funding for crisis management, especially during floods.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the challenges faced by regional leaders like Mamata Banerjee in balancing cultural significance with disaster management. While her decision to proceed with the carnival amid flooding raises questions, it also highlights the complexities of governance during crises. The approach reflects a commitment to preserving cultural traditions while navigating urgent public safety concerns.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Durga Puja carnival not canceled?
The Durga Puja carnival was not canceled due to the presence of foreign delegations and the Chief Minister's essential role at the event.
What did Mamata Banerjee say about flood management?
Mamata Banerjee emphasized the need for local administration to have at least 48 hours for initial crisis control after disasters like flooding.
How did the Union government respond to the flooding situation?
Mamata Banerjee criticized the Union government for only seeking reports within 24 hours instead of providing assistance during disasters.
What was the Chief Minister's role during the flooding?
The Chief Minister remained in contact with officials and monitored the situation from Kolkata, ensuring timely response efforts.
How does the carnival reflect the culture of Bengal?
The Durga Puja carnival symbolizes the pride of Bengal and is a significant cultural event for the community.
