Gandhi lookalike as Asura at Hindu Mahasabha’s Kolkata pandal sparks controversy, removed later

The organisers of the All India Hindu Mahasabha landed in trouble after a durga puja in Kolkata organised by them depicted Asura, a buffalo demon, similar to Mahatma Gandhi. They alleged that the murti was removed after being pressurised by the MHA.

A major controversy erupted after a durga puja in Kolkata organised by the All India Hindu Mahasabha depicted the ‘Mahisasura’ (Buffalo demon) somewhat similar to Mahatma Gandhi, sparking a controversy. However, after pressure from the Ministry of Home Affairs , the organisers of the puja changed and removed the face, they alleged.

Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha changed the appearance of the idol, which looked like Gandhi, following instructions from the police after a complaint was lodged, PTI reported.

When contacted, Chandrachur Goswami, working President of West Bengal state unit of All India Hindu Mahasabha, told India Today, "We see Gandhi as true asura. He is the real asura. That's why we made the murti like this."

" The central government is promoting Mahatma Gandhi. We were forced to remove the murti and change it. We have been pressurised by the Home Ministry. We want to remove Gandhi from everywhere and keep Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and other freedom fighters in front," Goswami said.

According to mythology, Goddess Durga slew Mahusasur in an epic battle to end his evil reign. A journalist tweeted a purported photograph of the Durga idol, before deleting the post claiming that the police asked him to do so as it might create tension during the festival.

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The move drew condemnation from all political parties the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state, and the opposition parties including Bharatiya Janata Party, CPI-M and Congress.