kolkata, 10 September (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday issued a strong warning over the naming of stalls and programmes organised during Durga Puja, saying they must use the term “Durga Puja” instead of “Sharadotsav”.

Speaking in the Assembly, Adhikari said stalls using “Sharadotsav” in place of “Durga Puja” would not be granted permission. He also warned that action would be taken against organisers who violate the prescribed rules.

The Chief Minister said Durga Puja is celebrated as a public festival and that discrimination on the basis of religious identity would not be tolerated in its organisation. He said people from all communities should have the freedom to follow their respective religious beliefs and traditions during the festival.

Referring to Durga Puja committees, Adhikari said organisers would have to follow the prescribed rules for conducting the puja and receiving government assistance. He warned that events or stalls violating the rules would face action.

Adhikari also spoke in the Assembly about political protests, law and order and religious identity. He said no particular community or group should be targeted on the basis of religious identity under any circumstances.

He said that if a tense situation develops during a protest, maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the police. Elected representatives do not need to take to the streets carrying sticks, he said, while appealing to political parties to avoid violence and tension despite their differences.

The Chief Minister said people wearing saffron clothes, sporting a shikha or wearing religious beads cannot be targeted because of their religious identity. He said Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and followers of other faiths should have the freedom to practise their respective religions.

Adhikari stressed that religious identity should not become a basis for discrimination or confrontation. He appealed to all sections to maintain peace and communal harmony during the festival.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government would take action against organisers who violate the rules governing Durga Puja events and stalls.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh