Kolkata, 25 August (H.S.): With Durga Puja approaching, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is intensifying its political activity in West Bengal. Party sources have indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to visit the state next month. While Modi is likely to address a massive rally in Ranaghat, Nadia district, Shah may inaugurate two prominent Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata.

According to senior BJP state committee members, Modi’s rally is being planned for September 20 in Ranaghat — a day before Mahalaya, which traditionally marks the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities. Leaders believe this event will allow the BJP to connect directly with the people of Bengal during the festive season.

Meanwhile, Amit Shah has been invited to inaugurate the famous Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) Puja in Kolkata. Santosh Mitra Square committee chairman Sajal Ghosh confirmed that a formal invitation has been sent, expressing confidence that Shah will attend this year as well. In 2023, the committee’s theme was modeled on the Ram Temple of Ayodhya, which Shah had praised. This year’s theme is titled “Operation Sindoor.” Shah is expected to arrive in Kolkata on September 22.

For the past several years, Shah has inaugurated the Santosh Mitra Square Puja, and party leaders view his likely participation this time as a continuation of that tradition.

Political observers note that the BJP’s move comes at a time when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been highlighting alleged discrimination against Bengali-speaking people across India, seeking to make it a national issue ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. A senior BJP functionary said, “The Chief Minister has created a false narrative, and it is essential for us to counter it. The party will take every necessary step to strengthen its presence among the people of Bengal.”

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh