Politics · India Bureau
Trinamool Congress questions Bengal puja award criteria amid safety concerns
West Bengal's opposition party has raised questions over the state government's decision to honour a Kolkata durga puja, suggesting that spectacle may have been prioritized over public safety in the selection process.
LSN India ·
The Trinamool Congress has challenged the rationale behind awarding recognition to the Chorbagan durga puja in Kolkata, questioning whether the state government had compromised on safety standards in favour of aesthetic considerations. The party's critique comes after the puja received multiple accolades including awards for best lighting, best pandal design, and best environment-friendly practices.
The opposition party's position raises concerns about the evaluation methodology employed by authorities in assessing puja installations across the city. Trinamool representatives argued that safety protocols and crowd management should take precedence over decorative elements when determining recognition and awards.
The Chorbagan puja, one of Kolkata's prominent durga puja celebrations, has been a fixture of the city's festive calendar for decades. The timing of the controversy coincides with heightened scrutiny on public events management following previous incidents at mass gatherings in India.
The state government has not yet issued a formal response to the party's contentions regarding the award selection criteria. Officials overseeing puja regulations maintain that all recognized installations comply with safety requirements set by municipal authorities.