Gupta made the call on Saturday, September 6, while announcing the launch of ‘Sewa Pakhwada’, a service campaign to mark the PM’s birthday on September 17, the Indian Express (IE) reported.
The initiative will clash in Delhi until October 2.
Gupta also assured the organizers of Durga Puja and Ramleela of government support, including free electricity to up to 1,200 units, enhanced security measures and designated sites for immersion of idols.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday is also on September 17. We want this time Delhi to celebrate his birthday as Seva Pakwada. So from September 17 to October 2, many works of service will be done in Delhi. I want you to also do an act of service in Durga Puja Pandals during the day for members, according to IE.
Row bursts between AAP, TMC and BJP
The CM’s statement drew criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Its Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was trying to “buy Bengali pride”.
“Will Bengali brothers and sisters have to worship PM Modi with Maa Durga…1200 units of free electricity means BJP government wants to buy Bengali pride and faith for ₹12,000,” Bharadwaj was quoted by IE.
In response, Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor dismissed the accusation, describing it as “political opportunism”.
He argued that residents knew how the AAP government had earlier forced the committees to show banners of its leaders. “Delhiites are well aware of how the Kejriwal government forced various sedists and local MLAs.
Meanwhile, BJP leader and Mos of Education Sukanta Majumdar accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of misinterpretation.
“TMC claims that Rekhaji said that only those Puja committees which will keep Modiji’s idol will get such benefits. This is completely false. His call was that since our Prime Minister would complete 75 years during Puja, if they placed his photo in Ma Durga, Majumdar said.
