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TMC plans to set a narrative that BJP, which once aggressively projected the slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram’, has been compelled to adopt chants like ‘Jai Ma Kali’ under its influence
In this image posted by @BJP4India via X on July 18, PM Narendra Modi greets the gathering during a public meeting in Durgapur. (PTI)
The day Samik Bhattacharya was picked and felicitated as the Bengal president of BJP, the presence of Ma Kali’s image on stage had sparked wide discussions. Now, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Durgapur, the display of Matri Shakti (divine feminine power) was seen in full force.
Starting his speech in Durgapur, PM Modi raised the slogans “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” followed by “Jai Ma Durga, Jai Ma Kali”. Not only did he raise these chants during his address, but this time, the BJP’s official invitation also carried the words “Jai Ma Durga” and “Jai Ma Kali”.
Sensing an opportunity, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is planning to take up the issue strongly.
Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, “The prime minister says he wants development. But what does development mean? It means Mamata Banerjee and her government—Maa, Mati, Manush. It was there, it is there, and it will remain. But what has changed? PM Modi. Earlier it was Jai Shri Ram, now it has become Jai Ma Kali. Has PM Modi changed so much? They used to say Mamata Banerjee does not celebrate Durga Puja. Now, 11 years after becoming PM, Bengal has changed him.”
He added, “Today, one good thing we observed was that ‘Jai Shri Ram’ was not uttered even once.”
TMC insiders reveal that the party plans to set a narrative suggesting that BJP, which once aggressively projected the slogan “Jai Shri Ram”, has now been compelled to adopt chants like “Jai Ma Kali” and “Jai Ma Durga” under TMC’s influence. The party intends to position itself as understanding Bengali culture deeply, while portraying the BJP as an outsider merely imitating them.
However, this theory is countered by another section of political analysts who argue that BJP’s strategy is to connect with Bengali asmita (pride)—similar to their approach in Odisha—although the models in both states differ significantly. Over the past decade, the BJP has consistently tried to align with Bengali cultural identity. This time, their focus on the Bengali Renaissance and cultural heritage is aimed at appealing to the bhadra lok (educated middle class).
Chants like “Jai Ma Kali” and “Jai Ma Durga” resonate deeply with the masses of Bengal, experts say, and this is part of BJP’s strategy to establish a cultural connect. However, they clarify that this does not imply “Jai Shri Ram” is losing relevance. After all, Bengal’s biggest festival, Durga Puja, has its mythological roots in Akalabodhana [worship of goddess Durga] by Lord Ram, establishing a strong narrative link.
Experts assert that BJP’s Bengali asmita agenda is clear—the party will continue to weave cultural, religious, and regional pride into its political messaging in every possible way.
Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar…Read More
Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar… Read More
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