West Bengal CM urges Durga Puja committees to give up State support, announces restrictions
No Durga Puja inauguration will be allowed before Mahalaya, marking the beginning of the auspicious Devi Paksha, and the government will not organise a carnival this year, Suvendu Adhikari says
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari urged Durga Puja committees to forgo financial assistance from the State government, announcing a grant of ₹1 lakh for those seeking aid. Adhikari, criticising the previous government's cash entitlement system, which increased from ₹25,000 to ₹1.10 lakh annually, emphasized the role of the State as not providing dole.
Restrictions were announced, including not allowing cranes for idol removal, prohibiting puja processions from blocking national highways, and not organizing the Durga Puja carnival. An official puja program would be held at Eden Gardens on Mahalaya, with PM Narendra Modi expected to attend. All immersion must conclude before Lakshmi Puja, and no DJs would be permitted during festivities.
Liquor shops and bars would remain closed on Ashtami, and the government will provide free electricity to puja committees across the State, including Kolkata, while organizing events in Digha and six other cities.
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