Kolkata, Sept. 19 -- As West Bengal gears up for its biggest festival, Durga Puja, the city's pandals are turning into more than just artistic spectacles, doubling up as platforms for political messaging ahead of the crucial state elections next year.
This year, the battle lines are clearly drawn between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP. While TMC-linked pujas are embracing the theme of Bengali Asmita (pride), often evoking the plight of Bengali migrant workers and cultural identity, the BJP is countering with a muscular display of national pride through the theme of Operation Sindoor, paying tributes to the Indian armed forces.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already announced a grant of Rs 1.10 lakh for every puja club...