Bengal: Durga Puja Dispute Sparks TMC-BJP Clash In Howrah; Several Injured, RAF Deployed

A clash broke out between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and BJP supporters over the conduct of Durga Puja in Domjur, Howrah, on Thursday. Several people were injured after the two groups allegedly exchanged blows and pelted stones over control of the organising committee of the Purani Barowari Durga Puja in the Rajapur Jagadapota area.

The dispute had been brewing for several days, with both sides claiming the right to oversee the puja. Following the clash, a large police contingent along with Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel was deployed in the area to bring the situation under control.

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TMC, BJP Make Different Claims

Local TMC supporters claimed that the same group had been organising the puja for years and would continue to remain on the committee this year. They alleged that BJP workers were attempting to take control of the puja arrangements.

BJP workers, however, claimed they should be given responsibility for organising the puja this time. BJP worker Vikram Adak alleged that idol-making work had begun after the Khunti Puja at a local temple and that BJP workers were overseeing the preparations.

According to Adak, TMC supporters later locked the temple. When BJP workers objected, the disagreement escalated into a confrontation between the two groups.

The BJP alleged that its supporters had previously been kept away from the puja arrangements but wanted people from across the village to be included this year. TMC leaders rejected the allegation, maintaining that the existing members were the organisers of the Barowari puja.

The two sides subsequently confronted each other, with the dispute turning violent and involving stone-pelting and physical clashes.

RAF Deployed After Stone-Pelting

Police rushed to the spot after receiving information about the clash and deployed additional personnel, including RAF forces, to prevent the situation from escalating further.

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Police said the situation is currently under control and security has been strengthened in the area. However, it remains unclear whether the dispute over control of the Durga Puja organising committee has been permanently resolved.

The incident comes amid reports of political disagreements over the organisation of Barowari Durga Puja at several places in West Bengal. While BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya has previously said that conducting Durga Puja is not the responsibility of BJP leaders and workers, disputes involving puja committees have nevertheless emerged in different parts of the state.