The Ganesh Puja at Belur Bazar, Howrah, West Bengal, featured a bronze statue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi seated beside Lord Ganesha, both holding cups of tea, under a banner reading "Hindu Rashtra".
"I have been organising this puja for years," said promoter Khokan Kanra, adding that the theme was his brainchild and that "I receive positive responses every year."
The display, described as a "Chai Pe Charcha" concept, sparked backlash from the Trinamool Congress. MLA Arup Roy said that some "recently joined BJP members" were using the theme to curry favour.
VHP’s Eastern Region secretary Amiya Sarkar clarified that the group had only requested that Durga Puja pandals avoid themes "against Indian culture, spirituality and national morale."
The Howrah District BJP secretary Omprakash Singh denied any wrongdoing, saying the party "sees diverse themes across the state" and would review the incident.
The controversy has ignited a debate over political symbolism in religious festivals, with local media calling for a clearer line between faith and politics.