The Kolkata Municipal Corporation issued an order canceling the Vishwakarma Puja holiday and extended the Eid holiday from one day to two days. This decision sparked tremendous uproar. The order was specifically for Hindi medium schools.
The controversy escalated to the point where the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) withdrew the order. KMC then issued a show-cause notice to the responsible official from the education department. KMC mentioned it was an unintentional typographical mistake.
The notice, dated February 25, was signed under the name of the chief manager of KMC's education department. Traditionally, the Vishwakarma Puja holiday falls on September 17.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation's order clearly stated the cancelation of the Vishwakarma Puja holiday on September 17, 2025, in exchange for an extended Eid-ul-Fitr holiday.
According to the order, the state declared the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday on March 31, 2025, and April 1, 2025.
Source: aajtak
Criticizing the initial memo change, the opposition BJP accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of political appeasement for gain.
In a media note, the Municipal Commissioner stated that the orders were issued without the approval of competent authorities.
Taking the matter seriously, KMC is now taking necessary action against the official responsible for this mishap.
Order Cancelled Post Controversy
KMC claims the orders were issued without proper permission, leading to their cancellation.
KMC announced a new list of holidays will soon be issued.
The media note stated, "The revised and accurate order will be issued shortly while maintaining the state's holiday list under existing norms."
The BJP claims that their intervention compelled KMC to cancel the order.
Bengal BJP General Secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay noted, "It is hard to believe that municipal officials were unaware of the significance of Vishwakarma Puja versus the extended leave for Eid-ul-Fitr."
He referenced earlier in the year when the Calcutta High Court mandated police protection for Saraswati Puja at a South Kolkata college.
Attack on Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim
Firhad Hakim, TMC leader and Kolkata Mayor, is under scrutiny by the BJP. Jagannath Chattopadhyay demanded insights on the decision-making behind issuing such an order, citing Hakim's influence over KMC's administration.
BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged Mamata Banerjee's close confidant, Firhad Hakim, orchestrated the removal of Vishwakarma Puja holidays in schools, reallocating it for Eid-ul-Fitr, an important occasion for Hindu communities, particularly OBCs.
Controversy Regarding 'Matyukumbh'
Earlier, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee referred to the grand Kumbh Mela as 'Matyukumbh', sparking another controversy. This declaration came on February 18, 2025, during a West Bengal assembly session. She critiqued provisions made for VIPs over common devotees, stating it lost its core essence, becoming 'Matyukumbh'.
