Controversy Surrounds TMC MP Saket Gokhale Over Alleged Interference in Durga Puja Celebrations in Delhi

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 11, 2024, Delhi – Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale has landed in controversy after being accused of forcibly halting the Durga Jagran celebrations at MS Flats on Vishwambhar Das Marg in Delhi. The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, especially the domestic workers and devotees who were part of the annual ritual.

The MS Flats complex, which consists of two blocks—Sindhu and Gomti—is home to many prominent MPs and Union Ministers, as well as their housekeepers. Domestic workers residing in the complex primarily come from states such as Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Every year, these workers observe a 35-day long Durga Puja ritual, fasting and worshipping Maa Durga, culminating in the idol immersion on the day of Dussehra.

On Monday evening, as part of the final celebrations, a large gathering of devotees, including women, children, and the elderly, had gathered at MS Flats to participate in the Durga Jagran. The evening started peacefully with bhajans being played on a music system, and the devotees had begun their prayers. However, the celebration was abruptly interrupted when the police arrived, acting on a complaint from MP Saket Gokhale. The police reportedly shut down the music system, citing Gokhale’s objection to the noise.

Despite requests from elderly devotees to allow them to complete the ceremony, it is alleged that Gokhale, who lives in the same complex, scolded the worshippers and refused to listen to their pleas. According to witnesses, the situation escalated when police officers threatened to arrest the devotees, describing the ongoing festivities as a disruption to the peace.

"The police threatened to send us to jail for what we consider to be an insult to our faith," said one of the residents involved in the puja. "We were only trying to perform our religious rituals peacefully." After the threat of arrest, the devotees reluctantly turned off the music system. The group then requested the police to allow them to continue the prayer by clapping their hands, but this was also denied. Eventually, the devotees were forced to abandon the celebrations, and the pandal (prayer hall) remained silent for the rest of the night. It is noteworthy that the Pujo Mandap was situated approximately 300 meters away from Gokhale's residence.

Adding to the controversy, it was revealed that Saket Gokhale had also declined an invitation to participate in the Bhandar and Jagran ceremonies, which are a significant part of the Durga Puja celebrations. According to MS Flats residents, Gokhale was the only MP to refuse the invitation this year, further fuelling discontent among the local community.

The incident has raised questions about the MP's sensitivity to the religious and cultural practices of the residents, many of whom are long-time workers in the city. While the situation remains tense, local leaders and community members have expressed their dissatisfaction with Gokhale's actions, demanding an explanation for his interference in a longstanding tradition.

As of now, Gokhale has not publicly responded to the allegations, but the incident has sparked debate about the balance between personal objections and the rights of citizens to practice their faith freely.