New Delhi: As TMC chief Mamata Banerjee begins campaign for by-election from Bhawanipur constituency, politics have begun over the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.

TMC chief must win this assembly seat to continue as West Bengal Chief Minister as she was defeated by BJP’s Suvendu Banerjee from the Nandigram seat.

Despite promises of ‘good governance over politics’, TMC has resorted to stoking the communal fire to win over the electorate. The mamata-led party is questioning BJP’s devotion for Maa Durga and tearing into the saffron party for not understanding Bengal’s traditions.

Durga Puja politics peaks in Bengal

TMC leader Aroop Biswas shared an old video and accused BJP of being hypocritical over Maa Durga. He alleged that BJP has scant regard for Goddess Durga and uses 10-day long festival to merely score political points.

https://twitter.com/aroopbiswasaitc/status/1435455980272115717

However, the Mamata government’s history of Muslim appeasement is no secret. Her preferential treatment of Maulanas over Hindu priests has long been a matter of political slugfest. Years ago, she ordered to halt Durga idol immersion and gave a green signal to the Moharram procession, triggering a political storm.

How Mamata preferred Moharram over Durga Puja

August 1, 2017

Mamata government announced that Durga idol immersion or visarjan ceremony won’t be allowed a day after Vijaya Dashami on October 1 as it was coinciding with Muharram. “On Vijaya Dashami, immersion has to end by 6 PM as Muhurram processions will be taken out after that. If both happen together at the same time, there may be problems,” Banerjee told the puja organisers.

Later she tweeted, “Except for a 24-hour period on the day of Muharram, immersions can take place on October 2, 3 and 4.”

This came despite similar decision by Bengal govt, struck down by the Calcutta High Court as it was challenged by several PILs.

High Court overrules govt order on idol immersion

Bengal govt, in a notification, ordered that idol immersion will stop for 24 hours to allow Muharram processions on October 1. According to notification, the immersion was to stop by 10 PM on Vijya Dashmi (Sept 30) and would be allowed again from Oct 2 to Oct 4.

The High court rebuked the government for an order, which would have wide-ranging implications and will create rift between two communities.

In 2016 also, Calcutta HC struck down Bengal govt’s decision

In 2016, Mamata-led government had issued restrictions on idol immersion as Vijaya Dashami fell just a day ahead of Muharram on October 13.

High Court came down heavily on Mamata government and termed the decision as “arbitrary” and a “clear endeavour” by the State to “appease the minority section of the public”.

Justice Dipankar Dutta, in October 6, 2016 order clearly stated that no decision should be taken that pits “one community against another”.

Mamata got furious over High Court order

High Court’s criticism of Mamata govt infuriated the Bengal CM. Fuming Mamata took umbrage at court order and asserted that nobody can dictate her on what she needs to do for maintaining communal harmony.

Mamata’s idol resembling Maa Durga sparks row

A recent sculpture of Maa Durga resembling TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has spared fresh political fight. Idol with Mamata face will be placed at a Durga Puja pandal, this year. BJP has taken strong offence to such affront to Hindu religion & customs and called out TMC’s open attempt to portray the TMC supremo as Goddess Durga.