Kolkata, Sep 22 (PTI) New Alipore Suruchi Sangha, a renowned Durga Puja in south Kolkata, has decided to showcase the life and legacy of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder and Hindutva ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
The move comes after another Durga Puja in the eastern metropolis decided to showcase the life and legacy of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in the BJP-ruled West Bengal.
Suruchi Sangha was earlier associated with former West Bengal minister Aroop Biswas, who was among the top TMC leaders, and his jailed brother Swaroop Biswas during the party’s rule in the state.
The Durga Puja is now associated with BJP’s Dumdum MLA Sourav Sikdar, who is the new secretary of the puja committee.
Artist Anirban Das, who had last year conceptualised the puja’s theme on sacrifices made by freedom fighters under the theme ‘Ahuti’, is also behind this year’s theme of ‘Utso’ (origin).
“This year’s puja will be themed on the life of Mookerjee and a giant statue of the Hindutva ideologue will be installed. The puja will highlight Mookerjee’s role in shaping the politics and destiny of West Bengal. Lesser-known aspects of his life and historical events associated with him will also be shown,” Das said.
The West Bengal government recently celebrated the 125th birth anniversary of Mookerjee.
Sikdar said this year’s theme will seek to present historical narratives associated with Mookerjee, including his role in the creation of the “Hindu homeland” of West Bengal during the Partition.
The idol of Goddess Durga will retain the traditional form, he added. PTI SUS ACD
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