PM, Lord Ganesha drinking tea beside saffron India map in Bengal pandal stirs row

A Ganesh Puja theme in Howrah featuring Narendra Modi and Hindu Rashtra imagery has triggered a political row. The display drew objections from Trinamool leader Arup Roy even as the organiser and BJP defended it.Chai pe charcha with PM Modi, Lord Ganesha brews political row in BengalA cup of tea, Lord Ganesha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a saffron India map with an ‘Om’ at its centre -- a Ganesh Puja theme in West Bengal’s Howrah has brewed a political controversy, with the Trinamool Congress accusing recent BJP entrants of trying to “butter up” the party.The words ‘Hindu Rashtra’ have been written on the wall behind the theme. A map of India has also been placed on one side, alongside a saffron flag.The puja organiser, Khokon Kanra, a promoter by profession, said he has been organising the puja for a long time. He said it is his personal puja and that he presents a different theme every year. He said this year's theme was also his own idea and had received a good response from people.“My intention is not to hurt any religion. Those saying that I have done this because I have recently joined the BJP are completely wrong. I have considered Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a symbol of the nation and Lord Ganesha as a symbol of religion, and prepared the theme accordingly,” he said. Speaking on the issue, Trinamool Congress rebel leader and Howrah Madhya MLA Arup Roy alleged that some people who had recently joined the BJP were trying to ‘butter up’ the party in this manner.“This should not be done. I do not know whether the BJP or the Prime Minister is aware of this or not, but the district and state BJP should take strict action against those who have done this,” he said. Meanwhile, Howrah district BJP secretary Om Prakash Singh said he was not aware of who had organised the event but did not see anything wrong with it.“Various kinds of pujas are organised in West Bengal, and different themes are seen during Durga Puja. I do not see anything wrong with this. However, I do not agree with what the current Trinamool president Arup Roy is saying. During his tenure, people had to approach the court to organise pujas,” he said.He added that the district BJP would discuss the matter and take action if it felt such a step was necessary.- EndsInputs from Baidya Nath JhaPublished By: Sayan GangulyPublished On: Sep 16, 2026 00:06 IST