Durga Puja 2026 in Balurghat sees Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar inaugurate over 20 pandals on Mahashashti amid changing political dynamics in West Bengal.
Qalam Times News Network
Balurghat, West Bengal, October 17, 2026
Durga Puja celebrations in Balurghat have taken on added political significance this year, with Union Minister and Balurghat MP Sukanta Majumdar returning to his constituency on Mahashashti and visiting numerous pandals for inauguration. According to the report, he inaugurated at least 20 Durga Puja pandals on Friday, as organisers across the area sought his presence at their celebrations.
The visits come during the first Durga Puja season following the change of government in West Bengal, making the festival a prominent occasion for local political leaders to connect with residents and community organisations.
Sukanta Majumdar and MLA Bidyut Kumar Roy and Budhrai Tudu Attend Durga Puja Inaugurations
After spending the preceding days outside the district, Majumdar began visiting pandals from the morning, cutting ceremonial ribbons and extending festive greetings. He said he had received invitations from clubs across the district and would try to attend as many events as possible.
Speaking during the visits, Majumdar said this was the first Durga Puja since the BJP-led government came to power in West Bengal. He conveyed his greetings for the festive season and indicated that he intended to tour different parts of the district during the celebrations.
Balurghat MLA Bidyut Kumar Roy and Budhrai Tudu had already begun inaugurating pandals on Chaturthi, covering locations in Balurghat town, the surrounding block and parts of Hili. Roy said that, although it was not possible to attend every event, he would make efforts to visit as many organisers as his schedule permitted.
The simultaneous visits by the MP and the MLA have made the inauguration programme particularly prominent in Balurghat, where several clubs have invited political representatives to participate in their festivities.
Among the pandals visited by Majumdar were those organised by Kalmoni Mahapatra, Uttarayan Club, Prachyabharati, Shibtali Club, Tridhara Club, Police Line, Balurghat Central Correctional Home, Kavitirtha Club, Maitri Chakra, Agnishikha Club, Krantichakra and Nabinsathi, among others.
Both leaders indicated that they would continue visiting pandals during the remaining days of the festival, subject to time and scheduling constraints.
Changing Political Dynamics Around Durga Puja
Balurghat has witnessed a gradual expansion of the BJP’s political presence since 2019, when Majumdar began receiving invitations to inaugurate local Durga Puja celebrations as the constituency’s MP. Initially, his participation was limited to a relatively small number of events, but his presence at community festivities subsequently expanded.
This year, the political landscape surrounding the celebrations has changed following the change of government in the state. The report suggests that organisers associated with different political backgrounds have also invited Majumdar to their pandals.
While leaders from the Trinamool Congress had attended inaugurations in previous years, their presence at such events has reportedly been less visible this season.
Despite the growing number of invitations, completing every visit remains a challenge for both Majumdar and Roy. Their programmes are expected to continue as Balurghat and neighbouring areas celebrate Durga Puja.
