West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee delivered a robust defence of her political philosophy on Monday, directly countering allegations of appeasement politics from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for 'Durga Angan', a massive cultural complex in New Town, Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo declared herself a "secularist in the true sense".
A Stout Defence of Secular Credentials
In a passionate address, Banerjee detailed her commitment to all religions. "Many people accuse me of appeasement politics. I am a true secularist. I believe in the peaceful coexistence of all religions," she stated. She challenged her critics by listing her participation in diverse religious events. "You can't show me a religion whose celebrations I don't attend. I cover my head when I visit gurdwaras. Why do you complain when I attend rozas? Every religion has its cultural practices. How can I disregard any of them?" She concluded this point with a vow to pray to Goddess Durga to "destroy evil".
Durga Angan: Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
The centrepiece of the event was the inauguration of the Durga Angan project, described by the CM as a "jewel in Bengal's crown". The complex, located near Eco Park in New Town, is designed to preserve the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status accorded to Kolkata's Durga Puja. Banerjee announced that the project's scale had been significantly expanded. Originally planned for 12 acres, it now spans over 17.28 acres to handle a massive daily footfall.
"This will be the biggest Durga Angan in the world, capable of hosting one lakh visitors every day," she claimed. The Rs 261.99 crore project will feature several impressive structures:
- A main temple with a 54-metre high Garbha Griha.
- 1,008 pillars, 108 idols, and 64 lion statues.
- A 20-foot-wide circumambulatory path.
- A Singha Dwar, Pavitra Kund, a prasad kitchen, and a cultural museum.
- Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Kartik, Saraswati, and Lakshmi.
- A gold-certified green building with over 1,300 trees.
Banerjee highlighted that the Durga Angan Trust, headed by the Chief Secretary, is ready to proceed, with the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) overseeing infrastructure. She emphasized the project's economic potential, stating it would generate employment for self-help groups, artisans, and the hospitality sector.
Major Infrastructure Push for Religious Tourism
Using the platform, the Chief Minister listed her government's broader commitment to developing religious infrastructure and boosting tourism. She announced that the foundation stone for the state's largest Mahakal Temple in Siliguri will be laid in the second week of January. Funds have been arranged and a trust meeting will finalise details soon.
She also provided updates on other key projects:
- Gangasagar Bridge: A Rs 1,700 crore bridge to improve connectivity for the Gangasagar Mela, which attracts over 1 crore pilgrims. The foundation stone will be laid in January's second week, with L&T having received the tender.
- ISKCON and Heritage Sites: The government has provided 700 acres of land to ISKCON, declared Nabadwip a heritage site, and undertaken development works at numerous other religious institutions.
- Historical Preservation: Banerjee recounted saving Swami Vivekananda's ancestral home and restoring Sister Nivedita's house.
Linking this to tourism growth, she noted, "In 2025, West Bengal ranked second in foreign tourist arrivals. By 2026, we will be number one."
Political Barbs and Broader Concerns
Banerjee did not shy away from political criticism. She took a swipe at the BJP-led central government over the pace of Kolkata's metro expansion, claiming she had left more than Rs 2 lakh crore in the Railways' Pink Book for the project during her tenure as Railway Minister. "Had I been there, I would have completed it in two years. They have been dragging it on for more than 15 years," she alleged.
She also flagged concerns about the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process, alleging harassment. "Does a person living in Bengal need to prove their nationality? When someone speaks Bengali, they are labeled as Bangladeshi," she said, criticizing instances of hotel rooms being denied to Bengali speakers. She vowed that the state would protect the voting rights of all its long-term residents.
