Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated the Durga Puja pandal at Santosh Mitra Square, Kolkata, designed around the theme of ‘Operation Sindoor.’ He was accompanied by BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and state party president Shamik Bhattacharya. The pandal was organized by BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
Visits Kalighat Temple and Salt Lake
After the pandal inauguration, Shah offered prayers at the iconic Kalighat temple, located in the same area where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee resides. He later inaugurated another Durga Puja organized by the state BJP at the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) in Salt Lake.
Shah’s Message for Bengal
During his address, Shah said he prayed to Goddess Durga for a new government in West Bengal post-elections, one that would restore the lost glory of “Sonar Bangla.” He emphasized the need to make Bengal safe, peaceful, and prosperous, describing it as the fulfillment of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s dream. Extending greetings for Durga Puja, Shah highlighted the global popularity of the nine-day festival and its spiritual significance.
Tribute and Condolences
Shah also paid tribute to reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and expressed sorrow over the recent heavy rains in Bengal that claimed more than 10 lives. He assured that BJP workers stand with the affected families. Shah had arrived in Kolkata on Thursday night and was welcomed at the airport by BJP leader Rahul Sinha.
