Raiganj | September 9, 2026
BJP MLA and West Bengal minister of state Koushik Chowdhury has warned Durga Puja committees in Raiganj against allegedly using his name to demand large donations from residents, business owners and professionals, saying police have been instructed to act on complaints regardless of political affiliation.
Chowdhury said on Tuesday that he had received complaints about clubs collecting substantial sums while claiming that he was associated with their pujas or had asked them to organise grand celebrations. He said he also had evidence related to the allegations.
“I have received complaints that some clubs in Raiganj are collecting large amounts of money for Durga Puja using my name. I also have evidence. They are claiming that I asked them to organise grand pujas. This is completely false,” Chowdhury said, according to a report by The Telegraph.
The minister said he had warned representatives of the clubs and would not tolerate coercive collection of donations. He added that he had spoken to the police about the matter and that officers had been instructed to take action on complaints without considering the political affiliations of those involved.
Around 150 Durga Pujas, ranging from small neighbourhood celebrations to larger events, are organised in Raiganj town every year. Allegations of forcible collection of donations by some clubs and puja committees have surfaced annually, although many complaints reportedly did not reach the police because of fear of the ruling Trinamool Congress, the report said.
The issue has emerged amid changes in the political associations of several puja committees. For about 15 years, former Trinamool councillors and local party leaders had been associated with most of the committees, according to the report. After the change of government in the state, many of those leaders were removed from the committees or withdrew from them. Some people have since alleged that certain clubs began invoking Chowdhury’s name to maintain the scale and public profile of their celebrations.
Several businessmen and doctors in Raiganj, speaking anonymously, said they had been asked for substantial donations in the minister’s name. The report did not identify the clubs or disclose the amounts allegedly sought. Chowdhury has denied authorising such collections.
Biplab Ghosh, secretary of the Raiganj Merchants’ Association, said businessmen are pressured for donations before Durga Puja every year. “We are not against giving donations, but at times it crosses the line and becomes coercive. We have heard a few complaints this year as well and welcome the minister’s initiative,” he said.
The police response to specific complaints, including whether any case has been registered or action taken against particular committees, was not detailed in the report. The immediate next step is for complainants to approach the police and for authorities to examine the allegations and any evidence submitted by Chowdhury.
