Mamata Banerjee's Goddess-like Idol With 10 Hands In Kolkata Pandal

Mamata Banerjee idol: Themed puja pandals and goddess's idols depicting the latest trends is not new to Durga Puja in Kolkata. But this year a Kolkata-based puja pandal is going to spotlight an idol which a look-alike of CM Mamata Banerjee.

The idol, which is for show and public viewing only, will have 10 hands as the mother goddess but won't be carrying any weapons. She will showcase the welfare schemes by the state. The CM has not commented on this endeavour so far.

The pandal which will showcase the idol is located near the city's airport and is called the Nazrul Park Unnayan Samiti.  The idol will be made of fibre and will not be immersed at the end of  festival. This idol will also not be worshipped. A smaller traditional looking-Durga idol will be worshipped during the 5- day long rituals said the renowned artist behind the idol Mintu Pal, who is from Kumartuli, the hub of idol making. As per reports, the organisers would like the idol to be installed at a prominent place in the city once the festival is over.

Nazrul Park Unnayan Samiti has collaborated with Crowdnxt Mediia Art to produce the idol resembling CM Banerjee. It costs Rs 2.10 lakhs. said Dipanwita Bagchi who is the Director of the organisation as per ANI.

Nazrul Park Unnayan Samiti in Baguiati collaborated with Crowdnxt Mediia Art to produce Goddess Durga idol resembling CM Mamata Banerjee

"It costs Rs 2.10 lakhs. Her 10 hands will represent her govt schemes," says Dipanwita Bagchi, Director, Crowdnxt Mediia Art pic.twitter.com/DoWYPAgJuf

— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2021

The opposition party in State BJP MP Amit Malviya has condemned the act  and claimed this is akin to deification.

This year's Durga puja festivities are to begin from October 12. The state government hasn't released any directives yet. However, Forum for Durgotsab, a platform of 550 community Durga Pujas has urged people to not overcrowd the pandals and keep in mind the necessary COVID-19 protocols. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has indicated that the schools and colleges in the state may reopen after the Durga Puja holidays.

As per the latest report West Bengal ranks last among states in administering the first Covid-19 vaccine dose. Only around 41% of its population has received the first dose. And 11.8 million people (around 39% of those who received the first jab) have received the second dose.