Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently inaugurated a Durga Puja pandal at Santosh Mitra Square in Kolkata, where he expressed a heartfelt wish for West Bengal’s future. Addressing attendees, Shah articulated his prayer to Maa Durga for the emergence of a new government following the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. His vision is to restore the state to its former ‘Sonar Bangla’ (golden Bengal) glory.
During his two-day visit, Shah emphasized the importance of a Bengal that is once again safe, prosperous, and peaceful, a sentiment he believes aligns with the dreams of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. “I have prayed to Maa Durga that after this election, a government should be formed that can build a ‘Sonar Bangla’ (golden Bengal). Our Bengal should once again become safe, prosperous, peaceful and abundant. We should be able to build a Bengal that Kavi Guru Rabindranath Tagore had envisioned,” he stated.
The Home Minister also extended his greetings to the people of Bengal and across the country for the ongoing Durga Puja festivities. He took a moment to express his profound grief over the recent rain-related deaths in the state, offering his condolences to the grieving families. “At the beginning of the festivities, we experienced a very sad moment. More than 10 people lost their lives. I pay my homage to all those who died,” Shah remarked, referencing the tragic loss of at least 11 lives due to torrential rain in Kolkata and nearby areas a few days prior.
Shah characterized Bengal’s Durga Puja as a globally celebrated cultural treasure. He noted, “This nine-day Navratri festival has become famous not only in Bengal and India, but all over the world. This great tradition of Bengal is witnessed with great joy by the whole world. For nine days, everyone in Bengal dedicates themselves to the worship of Shakti.” He further hoped that the festival would propel Bengal towards new heights, contributing to the realization of a developed India, a dream championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Beyond the Santosh Mitra Square inauguration, the Home Minister also unveiled a Durga Puja pandal organized by the BJP-backed Paschim Banga Sanskriti Mancha at the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) in Salt Lake.
During his visit, Shah also paid tribute to the esteemed educationist and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on his birth anniversary. He lauded Vidyasagar’s significant contributions, remarking, “No one can forget what Vidyasagar ji did for education, not only in Bengal but throughout the country during the colonial era. He dedicated his entire life to the Bengali language, the state’s culture and the education of women. Today, on behalf of crores of BJP workers, I bow to the feet of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.”
Kalighat Temple Visit
Amit Shah’s itinerary also included a visit to the revered Kalighat Temple, where he spent approximately 15 minutes offering prayers. He received a warm welcome from party leaders and activists gathered outside the temple, with stringent security measures in place for his visit.