Kolkata Durga Puja Committees Decline State Grant Amid Protest

Two more Durga Puja committees in Kolkata have refused the West Bengal government's Rs 85,000 grant to protest the alleged rape-murder of a doctor at a state-run hospital. These committees join others in voicing dissent over perceived state negligence, opting instead to fund their festivities independently.

Two more community Durga Puja committees in Kolkata have declined the West Bengal government's Rs 85,000 grant in protest against the alleged rape-murder of a doctor at a state-run hospital last month.

The Netajinagar Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee, celebrating its 75th anniversary, cited alleged negligence at RG Kar hospital following the crime on August 9. ''We don't need any state grant for our puja this year. This decision honors the sentiments and emotions of our locality, including women,'' a spokesperson said.

In solidarity, the Madhyapara Abahani Club in Behala has also turned down the grant for their 50th year celebrations, opting for a subdued affair. ''Our flex demands justice for the victim, and the deity will hold a symbolic thermocol spine instead of the trident,'' a spokesperson said. Previously, several committees in Hooghly, Murshidabad, and the 24 Parganas had also declined the grant in response to the RG Kar issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)