Trump as ‘demon’, Pak PM Shahbaz Sharif’s decapitated head spark curiosity at West Bengal Durga Puja pandal

The Khagra Crematorium Ghat Durga Puja Committee has depicted US President Donald Trump as the asura.

In an unconventional twist to the traditional Durga Puja celebrations, two pandals in Berhampore, Murshidabad, have garnered attention for their controversial portrayals of political figures as the asura, or demon.

According to a report by The Times of India, the Khagra Crematorium Ghat Durga Puja Committee has depicted US President Donald Trump as the asura, while the Khagra Sadhak Narendra Smriti Sangha has chosen to represent Bangladesh’s Nobel laureate and chief advisor Mohammad Yunus in a similar role, alongside a decapitated head resembling Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

किस- किसने तलवार लिए हुए इस अवतार को पहचान लिया है?

दअरसल ये अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति "डोनाल्ड ट्रंप" हैं जिनको पश्चिम बंगाल के एक दुर्गा पूजा पंडाल में "महिषासुर" का स्थान दिया गया है.

दुर्गा पूजा समिति ने बताया कि डोनाल्ड ट्रंप ने भारत को धोखा किया है इसीलिए उन्होंने डोनाल्ड ट्रंप… pic.twitter.com/aB44HDaASZ

— Nitin Prajapati (@Prajapat204) September 28, 2025

Trump's depiction as the demon is attributed to his administration's trade policies, which included a 50% tariff on certain Indian goods and a strict visa regime. “Our Prime Minister considered Donald Trump a friend. Trump has betrayed him. That is why he has been shown as a demon,” a spokesperson for the Khagra Crematorium Ghat Durga Puja Committee was quoted by TOI as saying.

As per the report, the Khagra Sadhak Narendra Smriti Sangha’s theme of destruction aims to symbolize the eradication of perceived threats to the nation. The depictions of Mohammad Yunus and Shahbaz Sharif have sparked mixed reactions, with some visitors interpreting them as bold political statements, while others view them as an inappropriate use of a religious festival.

These artistic representations have ignited debate on social media, with opinions divided on whether politics should influence religious celebrations. Some users expressed amusement, while others criticised the pandals for turning a sacred event into a platform for political commentary.

“This is not right. Puja is not a joke,” commented one user, reflecting the sentiment of those who believe the festival should remain apolitical.

Despite the controversy, the pandals have attracted significant crowds, curious to witness the unconventional depictions. The attention has also highlighted the broader context of ongoing trade discussions between India and the US, as both nations seek to resolve their differences and reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

As the Durga Puja festivities continue, the debate over the intersection of politics and religion in these pandals serves as a reminder of the diverse ways in which cultural expressions can reflect contemporary issues. Whether seen as creative expression or a contentious statement, the Murshidabad pujas have certainly made their mark on this year’s celebrations.