Amit Shah inaugurates Kolkata puja pandal themed after Op. Sindoor, gives call to make 'Sonar Bangla'

Shah landed in Kolkata last night after much of a doubt over his visit to the state.

The Home Minister inaugurated the popular Santosh Mitra Square puja pandal- themed after Operation Sindoor- in north Kolkata's Sealdah area.

The puja is spearheaded by prominent state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sajal Ghosh.

Ghosh, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari were among several party leaders who were present at the inauguration.

Addressing a crowd from dias erected in close proximity to the pandal, Shah said, "I prayed to God that after the elections, a government be formed that would be able to create Sonar Bangla. I hope safety, security, prosperity and peace return to Bengal. I prayed that we could make Bengal as Kabiguru (Rabindranath Tagore) had envisioned."

The BJP strongman also condoled the loss of lives in the heavy rainfall that threw the city out of gear dampening the festive mood.

Following the inauguration, Shah headed to the Kalighat Temple and offered prayers.

The visit has assumed significance as the state assembly elections are due to be held in a few months' time.

The BJP, which failed to win the 2021 assembly elections despite throwing all its forces, is aiming to deny Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee a straight fourth term in power.

TMC counters Shah

Hitting back at Shah over 'Sonar Bangla' remark, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said, "First Amit Shah should be questioned why did the central government withhold Rs. 2 lakh crore fund of Bengal.

"He keeps talking about Sonar Bangla but we see bridges collapse in BJP-ruled states. Why couldn't BJP build Sonar Maharashtra or Sonar Uttar Pradesh then?"