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A stage modeled after Dakshineswar Kali Temple is being built for PM Modi’s rally at Brigade Parade Ground, highlighting Bengal’s cultural identity.
Dakshineswar-Themed Stage (Credits: News18)
A massive stage modeled after the iconic Dakshineswar Kali Temple is being constructed for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming rally at the historic Brigade Parade Ground. The design aims to highlight Bengal’s rich cultural identity, with organisers emphasising that the stage will reflect the essence of “Bangaliyana” — the spirit of Bengali heritage and tradition.
Bengal’s Cultural Identity At The Centre Of The Stage
The stage, approximately 10 feet high and 80 feet wide, is being designed as a visual tribute to Bengal’s cultural legacy. The backdrop will prominently feature imagery inspired by the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, one of the most revered religious landmarks in West Bengal.
Every corner of the stage will display elements representing the state’s diverse cultural traditions. Organizers have incorporated Bishnupur’s famous terracotta temple art, traditional patachitra paintings, and other forms of Bengali folk craftsmanship. Symbolic elements such as elephants representing North Bengal and architectural motifs from the temples of Bishnupur will also be displayed.
The effort is widely being viewed as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s attempt to highlight its connection with Bengali culture and identity. This comes amid repeated allegations by the All India Trinamool Congress that the BJP is anti-Bengal and anti-Bengali.
Separate Administrative Stage And Rally Arrangements
Apart from the main rally platform, a separate administrative stage is also being constructed at the south-west corner of the Brigade Parade Ground. From this platform, the Prime Minister is expected to inaugurate several road and railway infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores of rupees.
The rally, organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s West Bengal unit, has been named the “Poriborton Sankalp Sabha” (Change Resolution Rally). Party leaders say this will be the largest rally in the state ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, with seating arrangements planned according to different administrative divisions of West Bengal.
Target To Surpass 2021 Brigade Rally
Party sources say the rally is also being seen as an attempt to surpass the turnout of the massive Brigade rally held on March 7, 2021, during the last Assembly election campaign, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a huge gathering.
With the elections approaching, the BJP is aiming to demonstrate its organizational strength and mobilization capacity across the state.
Prime Minister’s Schedule For The Visit
According to the official schedule:
Friday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive at Hasimara Airport in Alipurduar at around 1:35 PM.
From the Hasimara military base, he will travel by helicopter to Kokrajhar in Assam.
Saturday
Modi will arrive at Kolkata Airport from Silchar, Assam, at around 1:20 PM.
At approximately 1:45 PM, he will land at the Race Course helipad in Kolkata.
Around 1:50 PM, he will proceed to the administrative meeting stage at Brigade Parade Ground.
At 2:40 PM, he will move to the BJP’s Poriborton Sankalp Sabha stage to address the rally.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to remain at the venue from 2:45 PM to 3:30 PM.
Around 3:40 PM, he will depart by helicopter for Kolkata Airport.
At 4:10 PM, he will leave for New Delhi on a special aircraft.
BJP Leaders Highlight Party’s Bengali Roots
Speaking ahead of the rally, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari emphasized the party’s historical roots in Bengal. “This party was founded by Bengali leader Syama Prasad Mukherjee. Bengali identity is already within us — we do not need to prove it. Our honorable Prime Minister has also stayed at Belur Math. The connection is already there. Everyone is waiting for tomorrow’s massive rally,” Adhikari said.
Shift in Messaging: From ‘Jai Shri Ram’ to ‘Joy Ma Kali’
Political observers say the BJP appears to be strategically shifting its messaging in Bengal. While the slogan “Jai Shri Ram” dominated earlier campaigns, the party is now increasingly invoking “Joy Ma Kali,” a phrase deeply rooted in Bengali religious and cultural traditions.
Prime Minister Modi recently wrote a letter addressed to voters in West Bengal, beginning it with “Joy Ma Kali.” Analysts believe the decision to feature the Dakshineswar Temple prominently on the rally stage also reflects this effort to connect more directly with Bengal’s cultural and spiritual sentiments.
With the Brigade rally expected to draw massive crowds, the event is likely to become a key political moment in the run-up to the state’s Assembly elections, setting the tone for the intense campaign ahead.
March 13, 2026, 6:33 PM IST
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