Tensions are heating up at one of Kolkata’s biggest Durga Puja celebrations. On Saturday, Kolkata Police sent a notice to the company running the light and sound show at Santosh Mitra Square pandal. This popular central Kolkata puja, led by BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh, got a big boost when Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated it on Friday.
The notice came from Muchipara police station. Officers want details from the company, including its business license, contracts with the Durga Puja organizers, GST papers, and documents for sound limiters. Police also asked the puja committee for a permission letter to host the show. The notice points to rules from the Calcutta High Court and the Pollution Control Board.
This move has sparked fresh controversy around the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja. Ghosh, a Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillor, blasted the local administration. He claims the ruling Trinamool Congress is out for revenge because the pandal spotlights the central government’s wins, like fighting cross-border terrorism. This year’s theme, “Operation Sindoor,” celebrates India’s strong response to threats from Pakistan, and it’s already winning praise from visitors.
Ghosh vented on social media and in statements, saying police hassled one of his advertisers for hours earlier and now targeted the light show team from Rajasthan by demanding their license. “Police gave us permission, but this harassment makes it tough,” he said. “If it keeps up, we might have to switch off the pandal lights.”
The BJP leader also accused Kolkata Police of blocking crowds on purpose. He pointed to barricades around Sealdah station, claiming they stop visitors and cars from reaching the pandal, frustrating people and pushing them away. “This is a clear plot to kill the puja vibe,” Ghosh posted online. “Public opinion will decide now.”
Trinamool Congress spokesperson Arup Chakraborty fired back, calling Ghosh’s complaints a bid for cheap publicity. “If the light and sound company lacks proper papers or licenses, who’s accountable if something goes wrong—like an accident?” Chakraborty said. “Police aren’t stopping the Durga Puja; they’re just checking safety. Why’s Ghosh so mad about that?”
This isn’t the first clash. Last year, the Santosh Mitra Square committee built a replica of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir as their theme. Amit Shah inaugurated that one too, praising the effort. With Durga Puja in full swing, the spat highlights ongoing political rivalries in West Bengal between BJP and Trinamool Congress.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
