Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari Criticizes Left and TMC Over Religious Traditions

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated on September 12, 2026, that the creation of West Bengal as a separate homeland for Bengali Hindus prevented the state's population from suffering a fate similar to that of Chinmoy Das, a Bangladeshi Hindu monk currently incarcerated. Speaking at a Ganesh Puja inauguration in Kolkata, Adhikari referenced the struggles of Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Swami Pranavananda in securing the state's place within India. He expressed solidarity with Chinmoy Das, who was recently granted brief parole to attend his mother's funeral.

Adhikari targeted both the Left Front and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing them of undermining the cultural and religious traditions of Bengali Hindus. He criticized the Left Front for its historical preference for Karl Marx's writings over those of Vivekananda and for referring to Durga Puja as Sharadotsav. Regarding the TMC, Adhikari alleged a process of Jamaatification, citing instances where Durga Puja immersion schedules were altered to avoid coinciding with Muharram. He asserted that the almanac should be followed and announced that his government intends to restore traditional practices, including making Ashtami a dry day and prohibiting community puja inaugurations before Mahalaya.

While both reports cover the Chief Minister's remarks, they differ in focus. The center-leaning report emphasizes the political accusations, specifically the claim that the TMC wanted to make Bengal a Greater Bangladesh. The center-left report provides more detailed context regarding the specific religious grievances and the background of Chinmoy Das.