Overview

• Organisers led by BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh allege barricades near Sealdah are deterring visitors and blocking vehicle access to Santosh Mitra Square.
• Ghosh claims police are trying to halt the three-to-four-minute Operation Sindoor light-and-sound show that portrays the Pahalgam killings, a prime ministerial address and Indian strikes.
• He says pathways were narrowed and detours stretched walking distance to about 2 km instead of roughly 700 metres, calling it political vendetta.
• The committee threatens to switch off the show, drape the idol's face in black and consider premature immersion if what they describe as pressure tactics continue.
• Police Commissioner Manoj Verma denies the charge, citing routine safety measures for heavy turnouts and noting other Kolkata pujas have adjusted programs for safety; the pandal was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.