West Bengal Elections: Asansol Durga Temple, Shut For Years, Reopens After BJP's Landslide Win

Asansol: Following the BJP's landslide victory in the West Bengal elections, BJP supporters  across the state celebrated with job and the doors of Durga temple in Asansol, which had been closed for several years due to local tensions, reopened on Monday. 

Why was the temple closed?

According to reports, the temple, run by the Sri Sri Durgamata Charitable Trust, was typically closed for several years. It was only partially opened during festivals like Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja. However, following the change in power, it has reopened as normal. Following the BJP's victory in all nine seats in Paschim Bardhaman district, the temple's reopening sparked enthusiasm among locals. 

#WATCH | A Durga temple, managed by the Shri Shri Durgamata Charitable Trust in West Bengal's Asansol, reopened to devotees after remaining shut for several years.

BJP leader Agnimitra Paul won the Asansaol Dakshin seat with a margin of 40,839 votes. pic.twitter.com/CojN84s6mp

— ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2026

When did the temple open?

The reopening of this long-closed temple has brought joy, excitement, and religious fervor to the area. As soon as the temple reopened on Monday, a large number of devotees began arriving. People performed puja, chanted praises of Goddess Durga, and celebrated the occasion like a festival.

Locals said they have been waiting for this moment for a long time, as this temple has been a major center of their faith. 

Communal tensions and administrative restrictions have been cited as reasons for the temple's prolonged closure. As soon as the temple reopened, a large number of devotees and BJP workers arrived and performed puja. The occasion was celebrated with festivities.

Who won from Paschim Bardhaman district?

Newly elected BJP MLA from Asansol North, Krishnendu Mukherjee, who had promised to keep the temple open for a year after his victory, arrived at the site and played a role in securing its reopening. For locals, this is being seen as a symbol of not only religious but also political change.

During his election campaign, Krishnendu Mukherjee, the BJP's winning candidate from the Asansol North assembly seat, had promised that if he won, the temple would be open to devotees 365 days a year.

How are people reacting?

After the election results were announced, he immediately fulfilled his promise. After winning, he went straight to the temple in Bastin Bazaar, performed the rituals, and opened the doors. 

The opening of the temple has sparked a wave of joy among the locals. People said that this is not just the opening of a religious site, but also a victory for their faith and long-standing demands. Many devotees have described it as the beginning of positive change in the area.