Kolkata, 03 July (H.S.) : Amid growing political discussions over Durga Puja committees following the formation of the BJP government in West Bengal, the historic Deshapriya Park Durga Puja Committee in south Kolkata has also become the subject of speculation. However, a look at the committee's history and functioning indicates that it has never been directly led or controlled by any political party or political leader.
Established in 1938, the Deshapriya Park Durga Puja Committee is one of the oldest and most prestigious community Durga Puja organisers in south Kolkata. For nearly 90 years, the committee has been managed by local residents, club members and organisers through community participation. It has earned its reputation for its grand artistic presentations, social initiatives and cultural heritage rather than political patronage.
In recent days, claims have surfaced suggesting that former Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor-in-Council member Debasish Kumar exercised influence over the committee. However, according to Dipankar Sen, a member associated with the committee for nearly four decades, Kumar attended the festivities as the local councillor, like other public representatives, but never held any organisational position such as president, secretary, executive president or any other key office-bearer. He said the committee has always functioned independently under its own elected office-bearers and members.
Sen further said the committee gained national and international recognition in 2015 after installing an 88-foot-tall idol of Goddess Durga, which attracted widespread attention. In subsequent years, innovative themes such as the 1,000-armed Durga idol, the Mahishmati Palace concept and pandals inspired by international architectural styles further enhanced its global reputation. According to him, the committee's identity has consistently been built on artistic excellence and innovation.
Another senior committee member, Gautam Maitra, told Hindusthan Samachar that the organisation conducts several social welfare activities throughout the year, including blood donation camps, health check-up camps, relief work, sports competitions and assistance to underprivileged people. He said this has helped establish the committee not merely as a Durga Puja organiser but as an important socio-cultural institution in south Kolkata.
Several prominent Durga Puja committees in Kolkata have, over the years, been associated with different political leaders or publicpublicdeshapriya representatives. Committees such as Chetla Agrani, Suruchi Sangha, Udayan Sangha, Sreebhumi Sporting Club, Tridhara Sammilani, Ekdalia Evergreen, Hindustan Park and Bhowanipore 75 Palli have frequently figured in public discussions because of the active involvement of political personalities.
In contrast, members of the Deshapriya Park Durga Puja Committee maintain that the organisation has preserved its independent and non-political character since its inception, functioning as a purely social and cultural institution.
Committee members said the organisation's greatest strengths continue to be its tradition of political neutrality, strong community participation and rich cultural legacy. They added that despite changing political circumstances in the state, the identity of Deshapriya Park Durga Puja remains rooted in its historical significance, artistic excellence and cultural heritage.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
