TMC MLA Skips Raiganj Puja Carnival: In a move that surprised both political observers and residents, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Krishna Kalyani chose to boycott the annual Raiganj Puja Carnival, citing severe civic neglect, infrastructure decay, and public mismanagement by the Raiganj Municipality. The MLA’s decision, announced just hours before the festive procession, turned what was meant to be a celebration of culture and community spirit into a conversation about urban failure and administrative accountability.
The Puja Carnival, organized annually to showcase local artistry and community enthusiasm, has long been one of North Dinajpur’s most anticipated events. However, this year, Kalyani’s absence and his outspoken criticism of civic authorities turned the spotlight toward urban decay, garbage mismanagement, and waterlogging, issues that residents claim have plagued the town for months.
Civic Neglect at the Heart of the Controversy
MLA Kalyani, representing Raiganj in the state assembly, took to social media to voice his frustration. In his post, he wrote that while the people of Bengal were celebrating Durga Puja with grandeur, Raiganj was drowning in civic apathy. He specifically pointed out that streets remained submerged after light rain, waste lay uncollected for days, and roads were riddled with potholes, making daily commuting hazardous.
He questioned how the local administration could justify holding a glittering carnival when basic urban services had collapsed. According to the MLA, ₹17 crore had been sanctioned for civic development, yet there was no visible sign of improvement.
“It is not appropriate to celebrate while our city continues to suffer. Civic infrastructure has deteriorated, drains overflow, and people are frustrated. Development cannot remain confined to slogans,” Kalyani remarked during an informal interaction with reporters.
Municipality’s Response and Internal Political Tension
The Raiganj Municipality, led by Chairman Sandeep Biswas, responded sharply to the MLA’s statement. Biswas described the remarks as “uncalled for and damaging to the party’s image.” He insisted that the civic body had taken multiple steps to improve sanitation, repair drains, and clean up the main streets before the carnival.
Biswas accused Kalyani of politicizing a cultural event, suggesting that he should have discussed grievances privately rather than airing them on social media. “It’s disappointing that he chose to boycott a celebration meant for the people of Raiganj. The municipality has been working continuously to improve conditions,” Biswas said.
Meanwhile, North Dinajpur TMC district president Kanaialal Agarwala stated that the leadership would seek an explanation from the MLA for his remarks. “We believe internal communication is key. Public criticism harms the morale of our workers who strive hard to organize community events,” he said.
This exchange highlights the growing rift within the Trinamool Congress ranks at the district level, with differences emerging over how to handle civic concerns and public perception.
Residents Support MLA’s Stand on Accountability
While party insiders debated the optics, residents across Raiganj expressed strong support for Kalyani’s decision. Locals from Collegepara, Karandighi Road, and Binay More said they have been struggling with overflowing drains, irregular garbage collection, and broken pavements for months.
“Every monsoon, our homes flood with drain water. We file complaints, but nothing happens. The MLA is right — what’s the point of a carnival when people can’t walk on clean roads?” said Subhas Mitra, a resident and small business owner.
Civic activists echoed similar sentiments, saying that urban beautification projects often overshadow essential services. They argued that holding a festival amid civic collapse exposes misplaced priorities.
TMC MLA Skips Raiganj Puja Carnival: Wider Political Implications Across Bengal
The controversy has resonated beyond Raiganj, with political analysts observing that it reflects a larger trend of accountability politics emerging within the Trinamool Congress.
In the past year, several MLAs and councillors across Bengal have publicly criticized local municipalities for corruption, delayed works, and lack of transparency.
Political observers note that Kalyani’s protest underscores a shift in intra-party dynamics, where elected representatives are increasingly vocal about local failures, especially when it risks public discontent.
A senior political analyst from North Bengal University commented,
“Such public dissent indicates that grassroots leaders are aware of growing public frustration. It’s not just about festivals — it’s about governance and image-building ahead of elections.”
Durga Puja and Civic Responsibility: A Cultural Contrast
The Durga Puja Carnival in Bengal is not merely a festival; it is a symbol of unity, artistry, and political optics. Leaders across parties often join these events to connect with constituents and project accessibility. However, Kalyani’s refusal to participate introduced an unusual note of self-accountability and civic critique into the festive narrative.
His decision to stay away from the procession sent a clear message — that celebration without infrastructure is hollow. The incident reignited conversations about how festivals are used to mask civic inefficiencies under decorative lights and cultural showcases.
The Role of State and Local Governance
Raiganj’s municipal issues are not new. Multiple development plans under the West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department (wburbandev.gov.in) have aimed to modernize infrastructure in smaller towns. However, bureaucratic delays and lack of coordination between state and municipal bodies often slow progress.
Similarly, the Department of Panchayats and Rural Development (prd.wb.gov.in) oversees several local initiatives meant to improve sanitation and drainage — yet, in Raiganj, implementation remains inconsistent.
Experts suggest that periodic reviews of fund utilization and third-party audits of municipal expenditure could prevent misuse and ensure transparency in local governance.
A Call for Reform and Responsibility
Kalyani’s act of protest, though symbolic, has rekindled discussions around citizen rights, local governance, and the ethics of celebration. While critics accuse him of undermining party unity, supporters hail it as a principled stand for civic reform.
If the episode pushes Raiganj Municipality and similar urban bodies to strengthen civic services, it may set a precedent for legislators to demand more accountability from local administrations without waiting for election cycles.
Conclusion: Political Courage or Publicity Move?
Whether Kalyani’s move was an act of political integrity or a calculated statement remains a matter of debate. However, it undeniably shifted the focus of the Puja Carnival from celebration to civic awareness.
In a state where public image and festival participation hold immense symbolic weight, skipping such a major event was not a casual decision.
For now, the people of Raiganj await tangible improvements in their streets and drains — hoping that this controversy, unlike many before, will not fade away with the festival lights.
External Government Links for Reference:
- Government of West Bengal – Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department
- West Bengal Panchayats and Rural Development Department
- Election Commission of India – for details on local governance and representation
- District Administration of Uttar Dinajpur – for civic project and grievance redressal updates
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