Howrah Ganesh Puja Pandal Features Modi Drinking Tea With Lord Ganesh

A Ganesh Puja theme in West Bengal's Howrah featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lord Ganesha drinking tea together has triggered a political controversy, with Trinamool Congress leader Arup Roy accusing recent BJP entrants of trying to "butter up" the party. 

The display shows Modi and Lord Ganesha seated together with cups of tea. The words "Hindu Rashtra" are written on the wall behind them, while a saffron-coloured map of India bearing an 'Om' at its centre and a saffron flag have



also been placed at the pandal.

Puja organiser Khokon Kanra, a promoter by profession, said he had been organising the puja for a long time and that it was his personal puja. 

He said he presents a different theme every year and that this year's concept was also his own idea and had received a good response from visitors. "My intention is not to hurt any religion. Those saying that I have done this because I have recently joined the BJP are completely wrong," Kanra said.