The recent stampede during a Durga Puja celebration in Kolkata has sparked significant political controversy. The Opposition, particularly the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress (MAITC), has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal of attempting to protect the organisers, who are reportedly affiliated with the ruling party. Allegations have been directed towards the Chore Bagan Sarbojanin Durgatsav Samity, claiming connections to Debdeep Adhikari, nephew of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

In the wake of the tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 19 lives, seven individuals have been arrested. Chief Minister Adhikari announced the establishment of a Special Investigation Team led by a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court to investigate the incident. He emphasised that the immediate focus has been on providing relief and medical assistance to those affected.

MAITC leaders have demanded the arrest of the committee’s officials, asserting that the municipal corporation and other responsible parties should be held accountable. They argue that the committee is predominantly composed of BJP members and that the government is attempting to obscure its administrative failures by blaming the incident solely on the weather conditions.

Details of the Incident and Political Reactions

Reports indicate that the stampede occurred due to overcrowding at the pandal, raising questions about safety measures. MAITC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has publicly questioned the involvement of Debdeep Adhikari and BJP’s north Kolkata unit president Tamoghna Ghosh in the organisation of the event. He has called for immediate action against those allegedly responsible, including the chief minister’s nephew.

Banerjee’s statements on social media have intensified scrutiny of the new committee formed after the previous members resigned. A letter purportedly from former committee general secretary Jayanta Banerjee, dated July 17, suggests that he and seven others stepped down, although the authenticity of this document has not been independently verified.

Jijay Ojha, the newly elected chairman of the committee and BJP’s representative in the Jorasanko Assembly constituency, expressed his commitment to cooperating with the investigation. However, he claimed to be unaware of any safety violations regarding the entry and exit routes to the pandal.

Calls for Accountability and Investigations

In response to the unfolding situation, state BJP spokesperson Ritesh Tiwari defended the party, asserting that the chief minister would not wish for such a tragedy to occur. He pointed out that various political leaders, including those from the TMC, have historically been involved in community Durga Pujas, questioning the validity of the allegations against BJP members.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has also condemned the incident, expressing his condolences to the families of the deceased and urging for a thorough investigation. He emphasised the need for immediate medical treatment for the injured and called for Congress workers to assist in relief efforts.

BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh commented on the need for caution in attributing blame, acknowledging that errors can occur in such large gatherings. He suggested that the adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the incident, stressing that there is no intention to conceal any facts surrounding the tragedy.

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