What Did Mamata Banerjee Say During Durga Puja Inauguration?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee inaugurated several Durga Puja mandaps.
- She highlighted the plight of Bengali-speaking migrant workers.
- The Chief Minister called for unity and respect among communities.
- 3,000 Durga pujas will be inaugurated virtually.
- Precautions regarding adverse weather were emphasized.
Kolkata, Sep 20 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, initiated the inauguration of various Durga puja mandaps on Saturday, utilizing this festive moment to convey a message of unity amidst diversity.
At the inauguration of a Durga puja mandap in Kolkata, Banerjee reiterated her concerns regarding the reported harassment faced by Bengali-speaking migrant workers throughout the nation.
"In Bengal, individuals from various communities come together to celebrate Durga Puja. This collective celebration exemplifies the unique essence of Bengal. One person may refer to their mother as 'Maa', while another may call her 'Amma'. Yet, the underlying love, honor, and connection remains unchanged," remarked the Chief Minister after inaugurating the mandap at Sreebhumi Durga Puja.
"I hold deep respect for my mother tongue and extend that respect to the mother tongues of others. It is imperative that they reciprocate that respect towards Bengali. No Bengali-speaking migrant worker should endure harassment. We must unite against all attempts to cause division among us. If we fail, our nation stands to fracture. It is essential to recognize that Bengal is an integral part of India, deserving of respect for its culture, songs, and artistic expressions," she emphasized.
The Chief Minister also urged the public to take necessary precautions given the adverse weather conditions, advising them to avoid getting drenched in the rain.
"We need to remain vigilant. We are closely monitoring the circumstances. Heavy rainfall in Jharkhand, Bihar, or neighboring states can lead to flooding in our region due to overflowing reservoirs. Bengal's geographical positioning presents such challenges. Let us hope for a dry Durga Puja as millions anticipate the celebrations," she stated.
Banerjee announced her plans to inaugurate 3,000 Durga pujas, with most being conducted virtually, leading up to the five-day celebration.
Additionally, she revealed that 17 songs penned by her will be launched on Mahalaya (Sunday), signifying the commencement of Devi Paksha.
On Saturday afternoon, she also inaugurated the Hatibagan Durga Puja and the Tala Prottoy Puja.
"I am not unveiling the deities, as that will occur only during Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of Devi Paksha. My role here is to inaugurate the pandals, showcasing exquisite interiors that reflect Bengal's heritage and aesthetic beauty," she concluded.