Gupta made the appeal on Saturday, September 6, while announcing the launch of ‘Sewa Pakhwada’, a service campaign to mark the PM’s birthday on September 17, reported The Indian Express (IE).
The initiative will run across Delhi until October 2.
Gupta also assured Durga Puja and Ramleela organisers of government support, including free electricity of up to 1,200 units, improved security measures, and designated sites for idol immersion.
“Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday is also on September 17. We want that this time Delhi celebrates his birthday as a Seva Pakwada. So, from September 17 to October 2, many works of service will be done in Delhi. I want that you also do some act of service in Durga Puja pandals during the day. For the PM’s long life and health, definitely place his photo near the Ma’s feet and get him blessings,” Gupta said to the committee members, as per IE.
Row erupts between AAP, TMC and BJPÂ
The CM’s statement prompted criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Its Delhi unit president, Saurabh Bharadwaj, alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attempting to “buy Bengali pride”.
“Will Bengali brothers and sisters have to worship PM Modi along with Maa Durga… 1,200 units of free electricity means the BJP government wants to buy Bengali pride and faith for ₹12,000,” Bharadwaj was quoted as saying by IE.
In response, Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor rejected the charge, describing it as “political opportunism”.
He argued that residents were aware of how the AAP government has previously compelled committees to display banners of its leaders. “Delhiites are well aware how Kejriwal government forced various Puja Samitis to put up banners and portraits of Kejriwal, Sisodia and local MLAs. It is shocking to see AAP trying to make an issue out of CM Rekha Gupta’s request to religious samitis to pray for PM’s good health.”
Meanwhile, BJP leader and MoS of Education Sukanta Majumdar accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of misinterpretation.
“TMC is claiming that Rekhaji said that only those puja committees that will keep Modiji’s idol will get such advantages. This is completely false. Her appeal was that since our Prime Minister will complete 75 years during puja, if they place his photo at Ma Durga’s feet, he would get blessings. Trinamool Congress distorted her statement,” Majumdar said.
