കൊൽക്കത്ത ദുർഗ്ഗാ പൂജ: പ്രധാനമന്ത്രിക്ക് പകരം കേന്ദ്ര ആഭ്യന്തര മന്ത്രി അമിത് ഷാ പങ്കെടുക്കും

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend the Durga Puja celebrations at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on October 10, Mahalaya, instead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Officials at Nabanna, the state secretariat, confirmed that while invitations were extended to both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, a tentative itinerary from Shah's office cleared weeks of speculation over PM Narendra Modi's potential presence.

Sources said the state representatives met with Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) officials on Thursday to convey the change, prompting the Cultural Affairs Department to revise the event plan.

Despite changes in the chief guest lineup, security remains under the control of the Special Protection Group (SPG), which took over the stadium from September 25 through October 15.

The grand event is expected to draw 35,000 spectators, including 2,500 VVIPs, and will feature performances by around 6,000 artists and over 3,000 dhakis (traditional drummers), apart from a light and sound show, a drone show, and fireworks.

The lineup includes a musical concert led by composer Shantanu Moitra, singers Antara Mitra and Kaushiki Chakraborty, folk band Dohar, as well as a light-and-sound, drone, and fireworks display.

CAB officials noted that while there will be no restrictions on general access, the clubhouse's two floors and press box will remain off-limits on the day of the event.

Earlier, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had announced that Narendra Modi may personally perform the ritual of opening the eyes of the Durga Ma idol at Eden Gardens.