West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s impromptu Dandiya performance at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal has triggered a fresh political row between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with both parties trading barbs over cultural symbolism, secularism, and political optics. The viral video of Banerjee dancing with women devotees during Navratri celebrations on September 24, 2025, has become the epicenter of a heated debate that blends religion, regional identity, and electoral strategy.
While TMC leaders hailed the moment as a “celebration of Bengal’s inclusive spirit,” BJP leaders accused Banerjee of “political opportunism” and “cultural appropriation,” alleging that the gesture was aimed at appeasing non-Bengali voters ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
Mamata Banerjee’s Dandiya Moment – Event Snapshot
| Event Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | September 24, 2025 |
| Location | Santosh Mitra Square Puja Pandal, Kolkata |
| Occasion | Navratri / Durga Puja fusion celebration |
| Activity | Dandiya dance with women devotees |
| Viral Impact | 3.2M views on social media within 24 hours |
The BJP’s West Bengal unit issued a statement criticizing Banerjee’s participation in a “Gujarati cultural ritual” during Durga Puja, which traditionally reflects Bengali customs. “This is not cultural harmony—it’s vote bank politics. Mamata Banerjee is trying to hijack Navratri to woo non-Bengali voters,” said BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya.
In response, TMC MP Mahua Moitra defended the Chief Minister, saying, “Dandiya is a celebration of joy. Bengal welcomes all cultures. Mamata Di’s gesture was spontaneous and heartfelt.” She accused the BJP of “weaponizing culture to divide communities.”
Political Reactions – Party Statements Overview
| Party / Leader | Statement Summary | Tone / Implication |
|---|---|---|
| BJP – Samik Bhattacharya | “Cultural appeasement for votes” | Critical, electoral accusation |
| TMC – Mahua Moitra | “Celebration of inclusivity” | Defensive, cultural pride |
| CPI(M) – Sujan Chakraborty | “Both parties politicize festivals” | Neutral, critical of both sides |
| Congress – Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury | “Let people celebrate freely” | Moderate, calls for restraint |
The controversy has reignited debates over Bengal’s cultural identity and the role of festivals in political messaging. With Durga Puja and Navratri overlapping this year, many pandals across Kolkata have incorporated Dandiya nights, Garba performances, and fusion rituals, reflecting the city’s evolving demographic.
Political analysts believe Banerjee’s gesture was a calculated move to signal cultural openness and counter BJP’s narrative of “Hindutva exclusivity.” The BJP, which has been trying to consolidate Hindi-speaking and Gujarati voters in urban Bengal, sees the Dandiya moment as a challenge to its cultural turf.
Electoral Context – Cultural Outreach Strategies
| Party | Cultural Focus | Target Voter Base | Recent Initiatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMC | Bengali + pan-Indian | Urban youth, women voters | Puja grants, cultural festivals |
| BJP | Hindu nationalist + regional | Non-Bengali Hindus, middle class | Ram Navami rallies, Garba nights |
| Congress | Secular pluralism | Minority, liberal voters | Interfaith programs |
| CPI(M) | Class-based outreach | Working class, intellectuals | Workers’ rallies, street plays |
Social media has exploded with reactions, with hashtags like #MamataDandiya, #BJPvsTMC, and #CulturePolitics trending across platforms. While supporters praised Banerjee’s energy and inclusivity, critics questioned the timing and intent behind the performance.
Public Sentiment – Mamata’s Dandiya Dance Reaction
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 2.3M mentions | 74% mixed | #MamataDandiya #CulturePolitics |
| 1.9M views | 82% celebratory | #NavratriInKolkata #FestiveFusion | |
| 1.6M interactions | 78% curious | #BJPvsTMC #DurgaPujaPolitics | |
| YouTube | 1.4M views | 80% analytical | #MamataDanceExplained #PoliticalFestivals |
Cultural scholars have weighed in, noting that Bengal’s festivals have historically absorbed diverse influences. “From Mahalaya to Muharram, Bengal’s calendar is a mosaic. Dandiya at a Puja pandal is not dilution—it’s evolution,” said Professor Ranjan Sen of Jadavpur University.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has taken note of the incident amid concerns that religious events are being used for political signaling. No formal inquiry has been launched, but observers have been asked to monitor future events for code of conduct violations.
Festival Fusion – Cultural Trends in Bengal’s Puja Season
| Festival Element | Traditional Origin | New Additions / Fusion | Public Reception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durga Puja | Bengali Hindu | Dandiya, Garba, LED shows | Positive |
| Navratri | Gujarati / North Indian | Bengali bhajans, pandal visits | Growing interest |
| Eid / Muharram | Islamic | Interfaith pandals, cultural tributes | Appreciative |
| Christmas | Christian | Puja-style decorations, choir events | Inclusive |
As the festive season continues, political parties are expected to intensify their outreach through cultural platforms. With assembly elections less than a year away, every gesture—from a dance to a donation—carries electoral weight.
Mamata Banerjee’s Dandiya moment may have been spontaneous, but its political ripple effect is anything but accidental. In Bengal, where culture and politics are deeply intertwined, even a dance step can become a battleground.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political statements, media reports, and verified cultural data. It does not constitute political endorsement or commentary. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
