'Prayed For Change': Amit Shah Seeks Return Of Bengal’s 'Sonar Bangla' Glory At Durga Puja Event

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Durga Puja pandal at Santosh Mitra Square in Kolkata on Friday, praying to the goddess and expressing his hope that the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections bring a government that can restore the state’s lost “Sonar Bangla” glory.

Shah spoke about the vision of a “safe, prosperous, and peaceful Bengal,” reflecting the dreams of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

“I have prayed to Maa Durga that the next government should work to build a ‘Sonar Bangla’ — a Bengal that is secure, prosperous, and abundant, fulfilling the vision of Kavi Guru Tagore,” he said.

মা দুর্গার আশীর্বাদে বাংলায় ‘সোনার বাংলা’ নির্মাণকারী সরকার প্রতিষ্ঠিত হবে এবং বাংলা আবার হবে নিরাপদ, শান্ত, সমৃদ্ধ ও সুজলাম-সুফলাম।

माँ दुर्गा के

आशीर्वाद से बंगाल में ‘सोनार बांग्ला’ का निर्माण करने वाली सरकार बनेगी और बंगाल पुनः सुरक्षित, शांत, समृद्ध और सुजलाम-सुफलाम होगा। pic.twitter.com/LZv03F5RJY

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 26, 2025

At the event, Shah also extended Durga Puja greetings to the people of West Bengal and across India, highlighting the festival’s significance as a cultural treasure celebrated worldwide.

“This nine-day Navratri festival is not only cherished in Bengal and across India but admired globally. For nine days, people dedicate themselves to the worship of Shakti, showcasing the rich tradition of Bengal to the world,” he said.

Paying respects to victims of recent rains, the home minister expressed condolences to families affected by the torrential downpour that claimed at least 11 lives in Kolkata and surrounding areas on September 23.

“At the start of the festivities, we witnessed a tragic moment. I pay my homage to all those who lost their lives,” he added.

Shah also inaugurated the Durga Puja pandal of the BJP-backed Paschim Banga Sanskriti Mancha at the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) in Salt Lake, reinforcing the party’s presence during the festivities.

In addition, he paid tribute to the educationist and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on his birth anniversary.

“Vidyasagar ji dedicated his life to promoting education, preserving Bengali culture, and empowering women during the colonial era. On behalf of crores of BJP workers, I bow to his legacy,” Shah said.

The Home Minister concluded by expressing his hopes that the festival inspires development in the state and contributes to realising the vision of a developed India envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.