A fresh political storm has erupted in West Bengal ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali 2025, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to impose an 8 PM curfew on women’s movement during the festive night. The state government’s directive, which allows bursting of green firecrackers only between 8 PM and 10 PM, has sparked outrage, with BJP leaders accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of enforcing a “Mahila Birodhi” (anti-women) policy under the guise of law and order.
The controversy intensified after BJP spokesperson Priyanka Tibrewal questioned the rationale behind restricting women’s movement while allowing fireworks and public celebrations. “Fireworks for all except women? What kind of governance is this?” she asked, adding that the curfew reflects a deeper failure to ensure safety and dignity for women in Bengal. The BJP has demanded immediate withdrawal of the curfew and called for a gender-neutral security protocol during the festival.
🧠 Key Highlights of Kali Puja Curfew Controversy
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Curfew Timing | 8 PM onwards on Kali Puja night |
| Firecracker Window | 8 PM to 10 PM (green crackers only) |
| Government Justification | Law and order, crowd control |
| BJP Allegation | Gender bias, political suppression |
| Key BJP Voices | Priyanka Tibrewal, Suvendu Adhikari |
| TMC Response | No official rollback, calls BJP’s claims “provocative” |
The directive was issued by the West Bengal Home Department, citing recent incidents of violence and crowd mismanagement during festive nights.
📊 Timeline of Events Leading to Political Clash
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| October 15 | WB Govt announces curfew and firecracker window |
| October 16 | BJP leaders begin protests and social media campaign |
| October 17 | Priyanka Tibrewal issues statement against curfew |
| October 18 | TMC defends move, calls it “preventive policing” |
The BJP has announced plans to hold symbolic midnight marches led by women leaders in Kolkata and Siliguri on October 19.
🗣️ Reactions from Political Leaders, Citizens, and Rights Groups
- BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari: “This is Mamata’s way of silencing women’s voices during Bengal’s most powerful night.”
- TMC MLA: “The BJP is politicizing a preventive measure. Women’s safety is our priority.”
- Citizens on Social Media: “Why restrict women when the festival is for everyone?”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| BJP | Accusing TMC of gender discrimination |
| TMC | Defending curfew as crowd control strategy |
| Citizens | Mixed reactions, some support safety logic |
| Rights Groups | Calling for review of gender-specific curfews |
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has reportedly sought a clarification from the West Bengal government on the curfew’s scope and legality.
🧾 Comparative Snapshot: Festival Curfews Across Indian States
| State | Festival | Curfew Timing | Gender-Specific? | Firecracker Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Bengal | Kali Puja | 8 PM onwards | Women only | Green crackers, 8–10 PM |
| Delhi | Diwali | No curfew | No | Green crackers, 8–10 PM |
| Tamil Nadu | Deepavali | No curfew | No | Green crackers, 6–7 AM, 7–8 PM |
| Maharashtra | Diwali | No curfew | No | Green crackers, 8–10 PM |
West Bengal remains the only state to enforce a gender-specific curfew during a major festival in 2025.
🧭 What to Watch in the Kali Puja Curfew Debate
- Legal Review: Possible PILs challenging the curfew in Calcutta High Court
- Political Fallout: BJP may escalate protests ahead of 2026 Assembly elections
- Public Sentiment: Women’s groups and youth forums expected to issue statements
- Administrative Response: WB Home Dept may revise guidelines under pressure
The curfew has turned Kali Puja into a flashpoint for gender rights, political rivalry, and governance accountability in West Bengal.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified government notifications, political statements, and media reports as of October 19, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute legal advice, political endorsement, or festival guidance and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
