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Key Points

A major political controversy has erupted over who deserves credit for Bengal's Durga Puja receiving UNESCO Heritage status. The TMC leadership firmly rejected Prime Minister Modi's claim that the Union government was responsible for this achievement. State leaders emphasized that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's efforts and the state government's paperwork secured the international recognition. Meanwhile, BJP leaders argued that researcher Tapati Guha Thakurta's work and the Culture Ministry's support were crucial to the UNESCO tag.

Key Points: TMC Rejects Modi Claim Over Bengal Durga Puja UNESCO Tag

  • TMC questions timing of Modi's claim ahead of 2026 Bengal elections
  • State minister says paperwork completed entirely by Bengal government
  • BJP credits researcher Tapati Guha Thakurta's extensive festival work
  • Union Culture Ministry claimed supporting documents led to UNESCO recognition
2 min read

Credit war erupts over UNSESCO Heritage tag for Bengal's Durga Puja, TMC rejects PM Modi's claim

Political war erupts as TMC challenges PM Modi's UNESCO Heritage credit for Bengal's Durga Puja, asserting Mamata Banerjee's state government deserves recognition

"The entire credit for this international recognition belongs to her and the state government led by her - Kunal Ghosh, TMC General Secretary"

Kolkata, Sep 29

The Trinamool Congress leadership on Monday rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim that the UNESCO Heritage status for West Bengal’s Durga Puja was a result of the Union government’s initiatives.

The Prime Minister made this claim during his “Mann Ki Baat” broadcast on Sunday.

Sharply reacting to his, West Bengal’s Minister of State in-charge of Finance (Independent Charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya said on Monday that although the state’s Durga Puja was awarded the UNESCO Heritage tag in 2021, this is the first time the Prime Minister has claimed credit for the achievement.

“Is this part of the party’s campaign for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections? Such a strategy will not succeed. The people of West Bengal are well aware that the credit for promoting Durga Puja on the international stage belongs to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee,” Bhattacharya stated.

Trinamool Congress state general secretary Kunal Ghosh stated that neither the former Left Front government in West Bengal nor the present Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government can claim credit for the UNESCO Heritage tag.

The entire paperwork for this recognition was completed by the state government, he said.

“After Mamata Banerjee became Chief Minister of West Bengal, she gave special emphasis on Durga Puja to ensure the festival was promoted on the global platform. Therefore, the entire credit for this international recognition belongs to her and the state government led by her,” Ghosh asserted.

The state BJP leadership, however, contended that the credit for West Bengal’s Durga Puja receiving the UNESCO Heritage tag should go to researcher Tapati Guha Thakurta for her extensive work on the festival.

“It was the Union Ministry of Culture that recognised her research and carried it forward as the core supporting document at the international level, which ultimately led to UNESCO conferring the Heritage tag on West Bengal’s Durga Puja,” said state BJP general secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
As someone from Kolkata, I remember how Didi (Mamata Banerjee) actively promoted Durga Puja globally. She attended so many international cultural events showcasing our festival. The state government's efforts were indeed significant in this achievement.
R
Rohit P
Let's not forget the real heroes - the thousands of artisans, pandal makers, and organizers who keep this tradition alive year after year. UNESCO recognized OUR culture, not any politician's work. 🎯
S
Sarah B
The BJP leader has a point about researcher Tapati Guha Thakurta's contribution. Academic research often forms the backbone of such international recognitions. We should acknowledge scholarly work too.
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Vikram M
This credit war shows how everything becomes political in Bengal. The UNESCO tag came in 2021, why is PM Modi mentioning it only now? Seems like election politics to me. 🤔
K
Kavya N
Whatever the politics, we should be proud that our Durga Puja got global recognition! It's one of the most beautiful festivals in the world. Jai Maa Durga! 🙌✨
M
Michael C
Both state and central governments likely played some role in the process. International recognitions usually require coordination between multiple levels of government. The credit should be shared rather than fought

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