Kolkata, Oct. 7 -- A political row has erupted over the government's 'Uma Agamani' programme at Eden Gardens on Mahalaya, with MAITC MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay questioning the reported expenditure of Rs 167 crore on the event.
At an Assembly Press conference, Chattopadhyay compared the Rs 167 crore Mahalaya programme with the earlier Puja carnival, which he said cost around Rs 50 crore, questioning the expenditure amid protests over pending scheme funds.
"Today, Rs 167 crore is being spent on Mahalaya. Whose money is it?" Chattopadhyay said, adding that people were staging protests and demonstrations over not receiving funds under various projects. BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh hit back, claiming the earlier carnival wasted around Rs 50 crore. He argued that holding a major Puja-related event before the festival could help attract tourists from across India and showcase Bengal's cultural heritage.
The 'Uma Agamani' programme is planned as a large cultural showcase featuring dhak, conch shells, dance and folk performances, including Chhau.
Artistes from different parts of Bengal, from Darjeeling to Purulia, are expected to participate. A major attraction will be a drone show involving around 3,000 drones depicting the arrival of Goddess Durga.
The event was initially planned with PM Modi and Union Home minister Amit Shah, but both are likely to skip the event.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.