'How insensitive can one be': BJP questions CM Mamata Banerjee's dandia dance amid Kolkata rain deaths

NEW DELHI: BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya criticized West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for participating in dandiya during a Durga Puja inauguration in Bhawanipur's Chakraberia, less than 24 hours after Kolkata experienced flooding that led to more than 8 deaths by electrocution.

"Not even 24 hours since Kolkata was drowning and 11 people were electrocuted to death, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee found it appropriate to indulge in revelry and play dandiya during a Durga Puja inauguration in Bhawanipur's Chakraberia. How insensitive can one be? Mamata Banerjee is the very epitome of it," Malviya said.


The 25-second video clip from the puja at south Kolkata's Chakraberia has sparked a political row.

BJP posted on the social media platform X, stating, "Barely 24 hours have passed since 10 Bengalis lost their lives due to electrocution, a tragedy that happened because of the complete failure of Mamata Banerjee and her government. And yet, look at her— instead of mourning with the people of Bengal, she is out playing dandiya. She is not even pretending to care anymore. Her actions show that she has become a dictator who believes she is above accountability and that her PR will manage everything and the remaining few journalists on her payroll will cover up for her!!"

On Tuesday, a 7 km-wide cloudburst dumped 252 mm of rain—nearly 20% of the Kolkata’s annual rainfall—within seven hours overnight, submerging streets just days before Durga Puja.

All deaths were due to electrocution, as victims came into contact with power cables or lampposts while wading or cycling through floodwaters.

The Bengal government held the power utility, CESC, responsible for the casualties and asked the company to compensate the families. chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who spoke to CESC chairperson Sanjiv Goenka, said, "I have never seen rain like this. It's so unfortunate that people have lost their lives. Their families must be given jobs by CESC."

Rain began around 11.30pm on Monday and continued through the night until about 6.30am, with the heaviest downpour occurring between 3 am and 4 am, when Kolkata received 98 mm of rain.