Puja Pandal Fire Sparks Political Clash in West Bengal

In West Bengal, the BJP accuses TMC supporters of attempting to burn a puja pandal hosting a 'Bharat Mata' idol. Union minister Sukanta Majumdar claims BJP protesters were beaten by police, while officials cite a short-circuit as the fire's cause, amid escalating tensions before local elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised allegations against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters, accusing them of trying to set fire to a puja pandal in Khardah Assembly constituency, West Bengal. The pandal hosts an idol of 'Bharat Mata', which the BJP reveres.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar visited the site to oversee the restoration of the damaged pandal and conducted prayers at the idol. He accused TMC loyalists of vandalism and criticized the police's inaction, alleging they acted as TMC cadres during a BJP protest on the matter.

The police report suggested a short-circuit as the likely cause of the fire. As tensions rose, they stated that minimal force was used to manage unruly protesters, maintaining that the situation remains under control. Meanwhile, TMC officials accused the BJP of stirring religious sentiment to influence upcoming local elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)