‘Bengal waits for…’: Mamata Banerjee reiterates Durga Puja remark as junior doctors renew ‘cease work’

As Durga Puja 2024 nears, CM Mamata Banerjee reiterated her remark highlighting the significance of Durga Puja in Bengal and the government's financial support for clubs. Notably many have returned 85,000 aid amidst ongoing unrest over a RG Kar doctor rape-murder case

Written By Sayantani
Published1 Oct 2024, 06:41 PM IST
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banarjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banarjee (PTI)

As Durga Puja 2024 approaches, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the ongoing stalemate from protesting junior doctors who have resumed a "total cease work" ahead of the festivities. Speaking at a community Durga Puja event hosted by cabinet colleague Sujit Bose at the Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Kolkata, CM Mamata Banerjee said people look forward to the Durga Puja festival throughout the year.

Also Read | Durga Puja 2024: Cops prepare detailed Kolkata traffic plan for the festivities

‘People of Bengal wait for Durga Puja’: Mamata

Mamata Banerjee underscored that “people of the state wait for Durga Puja festivities throughout the year.” She noted that Durga Puja in Bengal heralds the start of the festive season, paving the way for celebrations such as Diwali, Kali Puja, and Chhath Puja, extending all the way to Christmas in December.

This year, the Durga Puja festivities will commence on October 9 and culminate with Vijay Dashami on October 12.

Also Read | Durga Puja 2024: Will Navratri be celebrated for eight or nine days? Know here

Bengal Government Support for Durga Puja Celebrations

Mamata Banerjee mentioned that the annual financial aid provided by her government to organize Durga Puja celebrations is crucial for many clubs struggling financially. “There are clubs that don't need the financial assistance provided by the state government. But there are several small clubs, for whom this grant of 85,000 is very helpful, in addition to the concession provided on electricity charges for organizing the event,” she explained.

However, the context of her remarks comes as numerous Durga Puja clubs have returned the 85,000 grant amid ongoing protests surrounding the tragic alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital in August.

Also Read | Top 6 cities to experience Durga Puja in 2024

Junior Doctors' Protests and Their Impact on Durga Puja

In light of the Supreme Court's observation that medical professionals must fulfill essential duties, junior doctors in West Bengal announced the resumption of their "total cease work" from Tuesday morning.

They are demanding the state government address various issues, particularly enhancing safety and security in hospitals. This decision follows a governing body meeting held throughout the night, as they declared an indefinite strike.

Also Read | When will Durga Puja be celebrated? Check date, significance, other details here

During the previous cease work phase, which lasted for 42 days until September 20, Banerjee urged junior doctors to return to their posts, emphasizing that people eagerly await the Durga Puja festivities.

Solidarity from Durga Puja Committees

In a remarkable display of solidarity, numerous Durga Puja committees across West Bengal, both large and small, have opted to reject the state government's financial aid, choosing instead to forgo extravagant celebrations this year. This act underscores the collective sentiment among the community in light of the recent events.

Catch all the Business News , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.

MoreLess
First Published:1 Oct 2024, 06:41 PM IST
Business NewsNewsIndia‘Bengal waits for…’: Mamata Banerjee reiterates Durga Puja remark as junior doctors renew ‘cease work’

Get Instant Loan up to ₹10 Lakh!

  • Employment Type

    Most Active Stocks

    Bharat Electronics share price

    283.95
    03:58 PM | 1 OCT 2024
    -1.1 (-0.39%)

    Tata Steel share price

    167.00
    03:56 PM | 1 OCT 2024
    -1.45 (-0.86%)

    Tata Power share price

    481.00
    03:58 PM | 1 OCT 2024
    -1.7 (-0.35%)

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises share price

    140.05
    03:55 PM | 1 OCT 2024
    2.4 (1.74%)
    More Active Stocks

    Market Snapshot

    • Top Gainers
    • Top Losers
    • 52 Week High

    Caplin Point Laboratories share price

    2,080.30
    03:52 PM | 1 OCT 2024
    182.75 (9.63%)

    PB Fintech share price

    1,729.65
    03:57 PM | 1 OCT 2024
    113.65 (7.03%)

    Welspun Living share price

    175.00
    03:50 PM | 1 OCT 2024
    11.25 (6.87%)

    National Aluminium Company share price

    224.15
    03:56 PM | 1 OCT 2024
    13.75 (6.54%)
    More from Top Gainers

    Recommended For You

      More Recommendations

      Gold Prices

      • 24K
      • 22K
      Bangalore
      76,915.00-330.00
      Chennai
      76,921.00-330.00
      Delhi
      77,073.00-330.00
      Kolkata
      76,925.00-330.00

      Fuel Price

      • Petrol
      • Diesel
      Bangalore
      102.86/L0.00
      Chennai
      100.75/L-0.10
      Kolkata
      104.95/L0.00
      New Delhi
      94.72/L0.00

      Popular in News

        HomeMarketsPremiumInstant LoanMint Shorts