West Bengal CM urges Durga Puja committees to give up State support, announces restrictions
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has requested that large-budget Durga Puja committees forgo state financial aid to reduce government spending. He also announced new restrictions on festival processions and the cancellation of the state-organized carnival.
Why it matters
This reflects a shift in state fiscal policy and a move away from populist spending practices established by the previous administration.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday (September 7, 2026) urged big budget community Durga Pujas to voluntarily forgo financial aid from the State government, while announcing a grant of ₹1 lakh for Durga Puja committees that applied for the aid.
“I do not want to misuse the powers of the Chief Minister. I would request those who are capable [of organising pujas without government assistance] not to take the financial aid. Those who cannot organise the puja without this money will be given ₹1 lakh by the government,” Mr. Adhikari said.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) government began giving cash to community Durga Pujas in 2018, and former CM Mamata Banerjee increased the cash entitlement every year till it reached ₹1.10 lakh in 2025. The BJP leadership, including Mr. Adhikari, had criticised the move, which costs the State exchequer almost ₹500 crore annually.
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