Pujo Politics: BJP vs TMC Over Women's Safety in Bengal

In the wake of a brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor in Kolkata, BJP leader Sajal Ghosh urged Durga Puja committees to reject the West Bengal government's honorarium as a protest against inadequate women's safety. TMC MLA Debashis Kumar accused Ghosh of politicizing the festival.

In the wake of a brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor in Kolkata, BJP leader Sajal Ghosh has called on Durga Puja committees across West Bengal to reject the state government's Rs 85,000 honorarium. Ghosh stated this as a mark of protest against the government's failure to ensure women's safety.

Ghosh, the chief organiser of the popular Santosh Mitra Square Puja Committee, has long criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led regime for rising crimes against women under its watch. Despite this, he confirmed that his committee would proceed with the original plans for the festival.

In response, TMC MLA Debashis Kumar demanded a vote among Puja committees to gauge whether they want to accept the honorarium, criticizing Ghosh for allegedly politicizing the issue. Another organizer suggested the decision to accept funds should be left to individual committees.

(With inputs from agencies.)