Kolkata, 14 July (H.S.): Ending speculation over the leadership of prominent Durga Puja committees following the change of government in West Bengal, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday made it clear that he will neither become the president of the College Square Durga Puja Committee nor accept any leadership role in any Durga Puja committee across the state.

In a post on X, Bhattacharya said that Durga Puja belongs to the people and not to any political party. He revealed that the College Square Durga Puja Committee had requested him to take over as its president, but he declined the offer.

He, however, said he would attend the committee's Khuti Puja on Thursday in response to its invitation, while reiterating that he would not hold any official position or take responsibility for managing the festival.

The BJP state chief also conveyed a strong message to party leaders, MPs and MLAs, stating that political interference in Durga Puja committees should be avoided. He stressed that the organisation and management of the state's biggest festival should remain in the hands of local communities rather than political parties.

Bhattacharya's remarks come amid discussions over changes in the administration of several prominent Durga Puja committees after the change in the state's political leadership. During the tenure of the previous Trinamool Congress government, the Opposition had repeatedly alleged that many Durga Puja committees across Kolkata and other parts of the state functioned under political influence. Allegations were also made that official approvals and government support often depended on proximity to ruling party leaders, while some committees also faced accusations of financial irregularities.

The speculation intensified after major organisational changes in Kolkata's renowned Suruchi Sangha Durga Puja Committee. BJP MLA Saurabh Sikdar was appointed as the committee's new secretary, while former minister Arup Biswas was removed from the post of chief adviser. Long-serving secretary Swarup Biswas was also dropped from the new committee.

Against this backdrop, Bhattacharya's name had surfaced in connection with the College Square Durga Puja Committee. Rejecting all such speculation, he reiterated that Durga Puja is a festival for everyone and should remain free from political control or partisan identity.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh