Donald Trump as ‘demon’, decapitated head of Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif in West Bengal Durga Puja pandal

MURSHIDABAD: In a twist to the traditional Durga Puja celebrations, two pandals in Berhampore, Murshidabad, have become the centre of attention for their controversial depictions of political figures as the asura, or demon. The Khagra Crematorium Ghat Durga Puja Committee has chosen to model its asura after former US President Donald Trump, while the Khagra Sadhak Narendra Smriti Sangha has depicted Bangladesh’s Nobel laureate and chief advisor Mohammad Yunus in a similar role, alongside a decapitated head resembling Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The decision to portray Trump as the demon has been attributed to his administration’s trade policies, which included imposing a 50% tariff on certain Indian goods and implementing a stringent visa regime. “Our Prime Minister considered Donald Trump a friend. Trump has betrayed him. That is why he has been shown as a demon,” explained a spokesperson for the Khagra Crematorium Ghat Durga Puja Committee. Meanwhile, the Khagra Sadhak Narendra Smriti Sangha’s theme of Destruction aims to symbolize the eradication of perceived threats to the nation. The depiction of Mohammad Yunus and Shahbaz Sharif has sparked mixed reactions, with some visitors interpreting it as a bold political statement, while others view it as an inappropriate use of a religious festival.The artistic representations have ignited debate on social media, with opinions divided on whether politics should influence religious celebrations. Some users expressed amusement, while others criticised the pandals for turning a sacred event into a platform for political commentary. “This is not right. Puja is not a joke,” commented one user, reflecting the sentiment of those who believe the festival should remain apolitical. Despite the controversy, the pandals have drawn significant crowds, curious to witness the unconventional depictions. The attention has also highlighted the broader context of ongoing trade discussions between India and the US, as both nations seek to resolve their differences and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. As the Durga Puja festivities continue, the debate over the intersection of politics and religion in these pandals serves as a reminder of the diverse ways in which cultural expressions can reflect contemporary issues. Whether seen as creative expression or a contentious statement, the Murshidabad pujas have certainly made their mark on this year’s celebrations.