Howrah Ganesh Puja Pandal Features Modi Drinking Tea With Lord Ganesha

The display shows Modi and Lord Ganesha seated together with cups of tea. The words "Hindu Rashtra" are written on the wall behind them, while a saffron-coloured map of India bearing an 'Om' at its centre and a saffron flag have also been placed at the pandal.

Puja organiser Khokon Kanra, a promoter by profession, said he had been organising the puja for a long time and that it was his personal puja. He said he presents a different theme every year and that this year's concept was also his own idea and had received a good response from visitors.

"My intention is not to hurt any religion. Those saying that I have done this because I have recently joined the BJP are completely wrong," Kanra said.

"I have considered Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a symbol of the nation and Lord Ganesha as a symbol of religion, and prepared the theme accordingly," he added.

Roy, however, criticised the display and called for action from the BJP's district and state leadership.

"This should not be done. I do not know whether the BJP or the Prime Minister is aware of this or not, but the district and state BJP should take strict action against those who have done this," Roy said.

Howrah district BJP secretary Om Prakash Singh said he was unaware of who had organised the event but did not see anything wrong with the theme.

"Various kinds of pujas are organised in West Bengal, and different themes are seen during Durga Puja. I do not see anything wrong with this," Singh said.

He also criticised Roy's remarks, saying, "I do not agree with what the current Trinamool president Arup Roy is saying. During his tenure, people had to approach the court to organise pujas."

Singh said the district BJP would discuss the matter and take action if it felt such a step was necessary.

The controversy has drawn attention to the increasingly prominent use of political and religious imagery in public festival themes in West Bengal.