States » EastPosted at: Nov 7 2026 5:16PM


Dilip Ghosh calls for collective effort to build a ‘new Bengal’, stresses pollution-free Kali Puja

Krishnagar, Nov 7 (UNI) Calling for a collective effort to build a “new Bengal”, BJP's state leader and minister Dilip Ghosh on Saturday urged people to celebrate Kali Puja and Diwali with enthusiasm while exercising restraint over firecrackers, warning that noise and air pollution posed serious health hazards.
Addressing a Kali Puja gathering at Super Netazi Sangha Club in Coopers Camp, Rnaghat, Ghosh said the festive spirit should go beyond religious celebrations and become an occasion for people to unite and work towards the development of West Bengal. He also appealed to young people working outside the state to return home and explore employment opportunities in Bengal.
“Just as we celebrated Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja with enthusiasm, we should celebrate Kali Puja, Diwali and Bhai Phonta in the same spirit. This Puja should be an occasion to take a collective pledge to bring about further change and development in West Bengal,” he said.
Cautioning against excessive use of firecrackers, Ghosh said the government had imposed strict restrictions on noisy crackers because of the risks of accidents, noise pollution and air pollution. He pointed out that pollution was emerging as a major global concern, with respiratory illnesses, asthma and lung-related ailments affecting an increasing number of people.
“Celebrate, burst crackers and enjoy yourselves, but remain cautious. Noise pollution causes suffering, particularly to elderly people, while air pollution affects everyone's health. Children must also be kept safe to ensure that accidents do not spoil the festivities,” he said.
Ghosh emphasised the need to promote local talent during community celebrations, urging organisers to provide opportunities to local singers, dancers and children alongside professional performers brought in from outside. He said cultural programmes, fairs and community participation could make festivals more inclusive and strengthen social bonds.
Turning to the question of development, the BJP leader claimed that the state was witnessing changes in infrastructure, connectivity and public services. He referred to road projects, highways, railway expansion and airport development, arguing that improved connectivity would facilitate travel and create employment opportunities.
He also referred to the creation of a separate Ayush department, saying it would help extend affordable healthcare, including Ayurveda and homoeopathy, to rural areas.
Appealing to migrant workers and young professionals to return to Bengal, Ghosh said the state needed fresh investment, industries and employment opportunities to retain its youth. “Many young people work in other states and return home during festivals. We want them to stay here, work here and contribute to rebuilding Bengal,” he said.
He further claimed that improvements in law and order would encourage entrepreneurs to invest in the state and enable people, particularly women, to move around without fear. Referring to the RG Kar hospital incident, he said steps must be taken to prevent such crimes from recurring.
Ghosh also praised the administration and police for maintaining peace during Durga Puja, claiming that around 58,000 community pujas had received government grants and that celebrations had passed off peacefully.
He said Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, ministers and government officials were making efforts to improve governance and attract new industries.
Ghosh said he had begun inaugurating Kali Puja celebrations on Friday, visiting venues in South and North 24-Parganas, and was scheduled to visit Nadia and Berhampore on Saturday, followed by Malda and Jangipur on Sunday.
Local MLA Asim Kumar Saha, district organisational president Aparna Nandi and state secretary Anal Biswas were among those present at the programme.
He urged residents to maintain peace and communal harmony throughout the festivities and work together towards the vision of a developed Bengal. UNI BG NST CDS
Tags: #Dilip Ghosh calls for collective effort to build a ‘new Bengal’# stresses pollution-free Kali Puja
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