MLA fulfils promise as devotees return to temple
A long-shut Durga temple in Asansol reopened to devotees on Monday, shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party registered a sweeping victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
The temple, managed by the Shri Shri Durgamata Charitable Trust, had remained largely closed for several years due to local tensions and administrative restrictions. Worship had been limited to major festivals such as Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja.
The reopening comes after the BJP won all nine Assembly seats in Paschim Bardhaman district, where Asansol is located. The electoral outcome triggered celebrations among party supporters and sections of local residents.
Soon after the temple gates were opened, devotees and BJP workers gathered in large numbers, offering prayers and marking the occasion.
MLA fulfils poll promise
Krishnendu Mukherjee, the newly elected MLA from Asansol Uttar, visited the temple and played a key role in facilitating its reopening. During his campaign, he had promised to ensure year-round access to the temple if elected.
#WATCH | A Durga temple, managed by the Shri Shri Durgamata Charitable Trust in West Bengal’s Asansol, reopened to devotees after remaining shut for several years.
BJP leader Agnimitra Paul won the Asansaol Dakshin seat with a margin of 40,839 votes. pic.twitter.com/CojN84s6mp
— ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2026
Closure linked to local tensions
The temple’s prolonged closure had been attributed to tensions between communities as well as administrative curbs, making its reopening a significant development for the area.
For many residents, the event is being seen not just as a religious reopening but as a reflection of a broader political shift in the region.
BJP ends TMC’s 15-year rule
In a major political upset, the BJP defeated the Trinamool Congress, ending the 15-year rule of Mamata Banerjee.
The party secured 206 out of 293 seats, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 147. The TMC managed 80 seats, with one seat still awaiting final counting.
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