Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are unlikely to attend the West Bengal government’s Mahalaya celebration at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on October 10, Indian media reports say.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are likely to miss the West Bengal government’s Mahalaya event at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on October 10, The Hindu reported, citing Indian media.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had earlier said Modi would attend. Later reports said the prime minister was unavailable. Shah’s possible attendance had also been discussed, but both federal leaders are now expected to stay away. Reports link the change to a volatile situation in Delhi, where protests have called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Shah may still visit the state during the festival period to inaugurate Durga Puja celebrations organised by senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, according to the reports. West Bengal Governor R. N. Ravi, Adhikari and cabinet members are expected at the Kolkata ceremony. The chief minister’s office has instructed all ministers to attend.
The Mahalaya programme also includes a performance of Mahishasura Mardini at five Hooghly river ghats early in the morning and a procession along Red Road. Eden Gardens is primarily a sports venue, making the large cultural gathering an unusual event there. BJP leaders had previously criticised the state government’s Durga Puja carnival on Red Road. The party says this year’s celebrations will follow religious traditions and the festival calendar.