Mamata’s party asks if BJP government put spectacle over safety in awarding Chorbagan puja

Mamata Banerjee. File. | Photo Credit: PTI

The Mamata Trinamool Congress on Monday (October 19, 2026) questioned whether spectacle had been prioritised over public safety in awarding the 'Best of the Best Durga Puja' to Chorbagan Sarbojonin, where 19 people died in a stampede.

The Information and Cultural Affairs Department, in association with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, had conferred the 'Serar Sera-3' (Best of the Best) Devi Durga Samman 2026 on Chorbagan Sarbojonin Durgotsav Samity.

In a social media post, the party questioned the recognition given to the puja, which had also won awards for best lighting, best pandal and best environment-friendly puja.

"The CM blamed the theme and low lighting for the problems faced by visitors. Yet the same Puja was recognised for Best Lighting, Best Pandal and Best Environment-Friendly Puja," it said.