Kolkata Puja Stampede Kills 19, Sparking Political Storm for BJP Government

Nineteen people died and 25 others suffered injuries in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, creating a major political crisis for West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and his five-month-old government.

Political Fallout

The tragedy at the Chore Bagan Sarbojanin Durgatsav Samity put the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the crosshairs of the Opposition. Vijay Ojha, the BJP MLA from Jorasanko, took over as the chairman of the puja committee in July. Ojha stated on Sunday that he was unaware the entry and exit routes at the pandal were too narrow to meet safety standards. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered a police probe and arrests following the disaster.

Internal Warnings

The tragedy occurred despite repeated warnings from BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya against party leaders taking charge of community puja committees. Bhattacharya publicly refused an invitation to chair the College Square Durga Puja Committee in July and stated that political leaders should not control cultural festivals. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress targeted the government by releasing a purported letter showing the mass resignation of the former committee members in July.

Context

Durga Puja is the biggest religious and cultural festival in West Bengal, drawing millions of revellers to elaborate street pandals across Kolkata every autumn. Political leaders in the state have historically maintained close ties with community puja committees to build grassroots connections. Safety regulations and crowd control at these massive gatherings remain a critical challenge for local authorities and event organisers each year.