Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent invocation of Hindu goddesses Kali and Durga during a fiery rally in West Bengal is being seen as more than just religious symbolism — it could mark the sharpening of a new cultural-political vocabulary for the BJP’s campaign in the state.
Addressing a charged crowd in Hooghly, Modi raised chants of “Jai Ma Kali” and “Durga ki Jai”, positioning the divine feminine not only as a religious symbol but as a rallying cry for resistance — against what the BJP claims is the Trinamool Congress’s “appeasement politics” and “insult to Sanatan traditions.”
This comes amid recent controversies surrounding remarks by some TMC leaders perceived to be dismissive of Hindu deities — remarks that the BJP has seized upon to build a narrative of cultural insult and identity erosion. Modi’s fiery speech echoed past attempts by BJP leaders to connect with Bengal’s deep-rooted devotion to Kali and Durga, but this time with a sharper tone of cultural defiance.
A Tactical Shift
Bengal, a state where the BJP has historically struggled to fully dislodge the TMC, is witnessing a shift in electoral strategy. After earlier campaigns that focused heavily on development and governance, the party now appears to be foregrounding religion and regional pride — especially around icons deeply embedded in the Bengali psyche.
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Political observers see the ‘Kali-Durga’ invocation as a response to recent criticisms from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has often challenged what she terms “outsider politics.” Modi, in turn, is using Bengal’s own cultural heritage to strike back — portraying himself as a protector of faith and tradition, rather than an interloper.
Cultural Symbols as Political Weapons
This isn’t the first time the BJP has used Hindu symbolism in Bengal. In the 2021 elections, BJP leaders often invoked Lord Ram and attempted “Rath Yatras” akin to those seen in Uttar Pradesh. However, they were criticized for importing Hindi-heartland religious idioms into a state with its own unique cultural tapestry.
With the new ‘Kali-Durga’ rhetoric, the BJP seems to be recalibrating — aligning itself with deities that resonate more deeply with Bengali identity. It also seeks to reclaim religious symbolism from the TMC, whose own leadership — particularly Mamata Banerjee — has often been seen at Durga Puja inaugurations and chants hymns during public appearances.
The Road Ahead
With the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections on the horizon, Modi’s stage-cry might be a precursor to a broader messaging strategy. The BJP, by doubling down on culturally embedded religious imagery, is likely aiming to polarize votes along lines of faith and regional pride — countering TMC’s accusations of communalism with a message of cultural safeguarding.
Whether this shift resonates with Bengal’s voters — who often pride themselves on secularism and intellectual independence — remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in the battle for Bengal, the language of politics is becoming increasingly divine.