Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to visit Kolkata on September 26, 2025, to inaugurate three prominent Durga Puja pandals, marking a significant cultural and political moment ahead of Bengal’s festive season. The visit, though unofficially confirmed by senior BJP leaders, is being seen as a strategic outreach to Bengal’s cultural heartland, where Durga Puja is not just a religious celebration but a socio-political spectacle.
Sources within the BJP Bengal unit have indicated that Shah will attend inaugurations at Santosh Mitra Square, Ahiritola Sarbojanin, and Ballygunge Cultural Association—three pandals known for their grandeur, thematic creativity, and mass appeal. The visit is expected to be brief but symbolically potent, with Shah likely to address local organizers, interact with artisans, and offer prayers to Goddess Durga.
This marks Shah’s second Puja-season visit to West Bengal in three years, and comes at a time when the BJP is recalibrating its strategy in the state ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. While the trip is officially framed as a cultural engagement, political observers believe it carries deeper implications for the party’s grassroots connect and image-building.
Durga Puja Pandals on Amit Shah’s Inauguration List – September 26, 2025
| Pandal Name | Location | Theme for 2025 | Estimated Footfall (Daily) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santosh Mitra Square | Central Kolkata | “Bharat Ek Parichay” – Unity in Diversity | 1.2 lakh |
| Ahiritola Sarbojanin | North Kolkata | “Shakti Rupena Samsthita” – Feminine Power | 90,000 |
| Ballygunge Cultural Association | South Kolkata | “Banglar Bhasha, Banglar Gaurav” – Bengali Language & Pride | 1 lakh |
The pandals chosen for inauguration reflect a mix of cultural pride, national integration, and spiritual symbolism. Santosh Mitra Square, known for its socio-political themes, is showcasing India’s linguistic and ethnic diversity through interactive installations and multilingual chants. Ahiritola Sarbojanin is focusing on the divine feminine, with a Durga idol inspired by tribal art forms and Vedic iconography. Ballygunge Cultural Association is celebrating Bengali language and literary icons, echoing sentiments similar to Baghbazar Sarbojanin’s tribute to Tagore and Vivekananda.
Senior BJP leaders in Bengal have welcomed Shah’s visit, calling it a “gesture of respect towards Bengal’s cultural ethos.” State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said, “Durga Puja is the soul of Bengal. Shri Amit Shah’s presence will reaffirm our commitment to Bengal’s traditions and its people.”
However, the visit has also sparked reactions from opposition parties. Trinamool Congress leaders have accused the BJP of politicizing religious events. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, “Durga Puja is not a campaign stage. It belongs to everyone. We hope the visit remains cultural, not political.”
Political Significance of Amit Shah’s Puja Visit – Bengal Context
| Dimension | Implication | Observers’ Viewpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Outreach | Connect with urban and suburban voters | Strategic soft diplomacy |
| Electoral Messaging | Subtle positioning ahead of 2026 polls | Image-building exercise |
| Party Cadre Mobilization | Boost morale of local BJP units | Symbolic leadership presence |
| Opposition Response | TMC likely to counter with own Puja events | Competitive cultural engagement |
The Home Minister’s itinerary is expected to include brief interactions with Puja committees, local artists, and security officials. Given the scale of Durga Puja in Kolkata—with over 3,000 registered pandals and millions of visitors—the Ministry of Home Affairs is also expected to review security arrangements, especially in light of recent crowd management challenges.
The Kolkata Police and West Bengal Home Department have been alerted to prepare for high-security zones around the three pandals. Traffic diversions, drone surveillance, and crowd control measures are being finalized to ensure smooth proceedings.
Security and Logistics – Amit Shah’s Kolkata Visit
| Parameter | Details | Agencies Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Security Level | Z+ Category | SPG, Kolkata Police, CISF |
| Crowd Management | Barricades, drone monitoring, entry passes | Local Puja Committees, Traffic Police |
| Duration of Visit | Approx. 6 hours | Coordinated by BJP Bengal Unit |
| Media Coverage | Live telecast, press briefing expected | National and regional media houses |
Cultural scholars have noted that political leaders participating in Durga Puja is not new, but the scale and symbolism of such visits have grown in recent years. “Durga Puja is now a platform for soft power. It’s where art, faith, and politics intersect,” said Prof. Ananya Bhattacharya, a sociologist at Presidency University.
The pandals themselves have welcomed the visit, with organizers expressing pride in showcasing Bengal’s heritage to national leaders. “We are honoured that Shri Amit Shah will inaugurate our pandal. It’s a recognition of our creative efforts and cultural commitment,” said Subir Das, secretary of Santosh Mitra Square Puja Committee.
As Kolkata gears up for its grandest festival, the Home Minister’s visit adds a layer of national attention to what is already a globally recognized celebration. Whether viewed through a cultural or political lens, the event underscores the growing significance of Durga Puja as a space for dialogue, identity, and influence.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political statements, cultural reports, and media briefings. It does not reflect any political endorsement or opinion. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
