Manik Sarkar Pays Tribute to Durga Puja, Criticises BJP Ministers for Using Public Funds on Hoardings

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 18, 2026

Former Tripura Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar has drawn attention for paying tribute to Durga Puja, while criticising BJP ministers over the alleged use of public funds to put up flex banners and hoardings across Agartala in connection with the festival.

Sarkar's gesture of extending greetings and paying tribute to the state's most widely celebrated religious festival has also triggered a discussion about the relationship between Marxist ideology, social traditions and the changing political landscape. His remarks and approach underline the importance of engaging with society's cultural practices rather than remaining isolated from the people.

Explaining the broader ideological significance of participating in Durga Puja, Sarkar's approach reflects the argument that Marxism must remain relevant to contemporary social realities. Durga Puja, in its cultural and symbolic interpretation, represents the triumph of good over evil, the destruction of demonic forces and the liberation of society from injustice. The participation of Goddess Durga, accompanied by her family, is widely associated with the victory of truth and the protection of society.

Although Durga Puja has evolved within a particular social and economic system, its cultural significance extends across different sections of society. During the festival, millions of people, including women from diverse social, political and ideological backgrounds, participate in celebrations. Women from Communist families are also part of these festivities.

Keeping away from such a major social and cultural occasion, therefore, could risk distancing a political party from the people it seeks to represent. Paying respect to the festival can instead help political leaders and organisations strengthen their social connections beyond their traditional political constituencies.

The broader argument is that a political movement cannot remain confined to its ideological framework without understanding the lived experiences, cultural practices and aspirations of ordinary people. Making Marxism relevant to changing circumstances, while retaining its fundamental principles, is consistent with the dialectical materialist understanding of social development.

A similar evolution has taken place in the political observance of national occasions. In earlier years, Communist party offices did not routinely hoist the national flag on Independence Day. Such practices have subsequently changed, reflecting the adaptation of political traditions to evolving social expectations.

However, Sarkar's approach to Durga Puja has also brought renewed attention to his criticism of BJP ministers for allegedly using government resources to display flex banners and hoardings throughout the city. The criticism raises questions about the distinction between public expenditure and political publicity, particularly during a major public festival.

The issue is especially relevant when government resources are involved in promotional activities associated with political leaders. Questions of transparency, accountability and the appropriate use of public money remain important considerations in assessing such expenditure.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) Tripura State Committee secretary Jitendra Chaudhury had also extended greetings and paid tribute to Durga Puja before Sarkar's observance. Their gestures indicate an effort by the party's senior leadership to acknowledge the festival's importance in the social and cultural life of Tripura.

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