States » EastPosted at: Oct 13 2026 8:42PM


Chandi Path outside CPI(M) headquarters sparks political war of words in Kolkata

Kolkata, Oct 13 (UNI) A Chandi Path organised by the Republican Party of India outside the CPI(M)'s state headquarters on Alimuddin Street in Kolkata on Tuesday triggered a war of words, with the organisers claiming that the religious recitation was intended to bring about a change of heart among Left leaders.
The programme, which began at 9 am, was organised on a makeshift stage opposite the Muzaffar Ahmad Bhavan, the CPI(M)'s state headquarters. Several participants, describing themselves as Sanatan Hindus, performed the Chandi Path through loudspeakers, claiming that "the sacred verses would help free the Left leaders of their sins".
"We are reciting the sacred mantras of Sri Sri Chandi through loudspeakers close to their ears to help them overcome the sins accumulated in their minds. When someone commits a sin, they may not realise whether they are doing something wrong or right. I believe that when these mantras enter their ears, they will be freed from their sins," a participant said.
The organisers alleged that Hindus had not been allowed to organise religious festivities in the area over the past 50 years. However, a Durga Puja had been organised by members of the minority community on AJC Bose Road in recent years, with residents from different communities participating in the celebrations. The puja was discontinued after 2021, reportedly owing to financial constraints.
Reacting to the programme, senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said the organisers were free to do what they considered necessary.
"They felt the need to do it, so they have done it. What difference does it make to anyone? If they have little else to do and believe that performing Chandi Path is their sole responsibility, they can do it on the streets. It makes no difference to us. In fact, it is good to recite Chandi Path every day," Chakraborty said.
Another CPI(M) leader, Kalltan Dasgupta, alleged that the BJP had lost touch with reality.
"The entire Gen Z has been fed such mantras by the BJP that the party has forgotten the difference between reality and dreams. Anyone is free to practise their religion, but I do not understand why this has to be done on AJC Bose Road near Alimuddin Street," he said.
Dasgupta added that the CPI(M) headquarters welcomed everyone except those who were hostile towards other religions.
The party also put up a banner at the main entrance of Muzaffar Ahmad Bhavan carrying the message, "Everyone is welcome except communal, casteist and racist people", alongside greetings for Sharadotsav.
The development comes amid growing tensions over the presence of Left-wing bookstalls during Durga Puja. Various RSS-affiliated organisations have allegedly issued warnings against such stalls, prompting the CPI(M) leadership to assert that it would go ahead with its plans. Preparations for bookstalls have already begun across the state.
The controversy follows another dispute surrounding the 107th edition of the Kamardanga Sarbojanin Durgotsav Samiti's puja in the Entally Assembly constituency. The organisers selected the concept of a "Hindu Sanatan Rashtra" as this year's central theme and reportedly declared that Left-wing groups would not be allowed to set up bookstalls in or around the pandal.
They justified the decision by accusing the Left of repeatedly hurting Hindu religious sentiments and maintaining an anti-Hindu position.
The Chandi Path outside Alimuddin Street has thus added another dimension to the debate over religious expression, political ideology and the freedom to organise cultural activities during the festive season in Kolkata. UNI NST CDS
Tags: #Chandi Path outside CPI(M) headquarters sparks political war of words in Kolkata
More News

Meghalaya: Cabinet clears closure of state-owned MCCL cement plant

13 Oct 2026 | 9:37 PM

Shillong, Oct 13 (UNI) The Meghalaya Cabinet today approved the closure and winding up of Mawmluh Cherra Cement Limited (MCCL) following years of unsuccessful efforts to revive the state-owned cement plant.

see more..

Bihar sets example in expanding education, providing opportunities to youth: Choudhary

13 Oct 2026 | 9:21 PM

Nawada, Oct 13 (UNI) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary on Tuesday said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government had undertaken extensive work over the past 20 years to expand education and provide opportunities to young people despite limited resources, setting an example for the country.

see more..

Bengal Forest minister warns of strict action against illegal tree felling

13 Oct 2026 | 9:17 PM

Siliguri, Oct 13 (UNI) West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon on Tuesday warned of strict action against those involved in illegal felling of trees in tea gardens and forest areas, saying that the manager of Dima Tea Estate would face legal action for the alleged offence.

see more..

NSF condemns drone attack on Naga village

13 Oct 2026 | 9:08 PM

Dimapur, Oct 13 (UNI) The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today condemned the recent alleged drone strike by the Indian army on Langkho village located along the India-Myanmar border in the Naga self-administered zone.

see more..

KfW team briefs Manipur Deputy CM Dikho on COSFOM project progress

13 Oct 2026 | 9:04 PM

Imphal, Oct 13 (UNI) A team of officials from KfW Development Bank and the Community-based Sustainable Forest Management for Water Resources Conservation in Manipur (COSFOM) project met Deputy Chief Minister and Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Losii Dikho at his office in the Civil Secretariat, Mantripukhri, today.

see more..