Protests Erupt During Chhath Puja Event in Kolkata, MP Mala Roy Faces Backlash

Kolkata, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : Kolkata witnessed significant unrest during a Chhath Puja event on Sunday, as MP Mala Roy faced protests from a group of demonstrators. The members of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) leader were confronted in Tollygunge, where protesters encircled her, chanting “Chor Chor,” which translates to “Thief Thief.”

Despite the uproar, Roy remained resolute, stating that she would not leave the event. She accused the opposition of engaging in intimidating political tactics in the area. Earlier this year, Roy switched allegiance from the Trinamool Congress to the NCPI following the recent West Bengal elections. The NCPI is allied with the National Democratic Alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party.

According to the protesters, preparations for the Chhath Puja were proceeding smoothly until Roy’s arrival disrupted the event. The ritual was being held at an artificial pond created in a field. As Roy approached, the protests intensified, with chants escalating around her. Many protesters identified themselves as former BJP workers.

They alleged that Roy had previously used her political influence to pressure them while she was part of the Trinamool Congress, which fueled their opposition to her presence.

In response to the accusations, Roy denied any wrongdoing. She has served as a councilor for Ward No. 88 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and has a history of inspecting Chhath Puja arrangements in the area.

Roy emphasized that anyone can access public spaces and that she was there to oversee the event’s organization. She also mentioned that no complaints against her have been lodged at any police station.

“I don’t understand why there is opposition. The administration and the KMC are unaware of it as well. I have never engaged in unjust or oppressive politics; the local people know this,” Roy stated. She further clarified that the land in question is government property and that attempts to reclaim it as ancestral property are unfounded.

Roy added, “The Chief Minister knows who is who in this situation. There has never been such unrest in this area before; it started on May 4.”

The incident highlights ongoing political tensions in Kolkata, particularly surrounding community events like Chhath Puja.