PM Narendra Modi joined the Durga Puja celebrations in Bengal as he inaugurated a puja pandal in Kolkata on October 22. The inauguration was done via video conferencing. Beginning his virtual address in Bengali after he inaugurated a pandal at Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre in Kolkata, PM Modi addressed the people of Bengal. PM Modi paid tributes to icons of Bengal, as five-day celebrations began in the state. PM Modi paid tribute to various eminent personalities from West Bengal listing an array of Bengali freedom fighters, writers, artistes and others. PM Modi said his government was consistently working for the empowerment of women. PM Modi said, “Women are the symbol of Maa Durga; we are working towards the empowerment of women through various policies and schemes.” He also delivered a warning for precautions against COVID-19 especially with videos showing crowds in Bengal throwing caution to the winds. Many pointed out that the political significance of his Durga Puja speech could not be missed as the state hurtles towards election just months away. Durga Puja is the most important festival of Bengal and offers a massive opportunity for public outreach. CM Mamata Banerjee faces a tough challenge from the BJP as she eyes a third straight term for her Trinamool Congress in Bengal.