NG TV NEWS | WEST BENGAL
Raksha Bandhan Brings a Personal Moment to West Bengal Politics
KOLKATA | AUGUST 28, 2026
NEWS DESK: Raksha Bandhan brought a special moment to West Bengal’s political landscape on Friday, as Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Pal tied a rakhi on Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari’s wrist. Sharing photographs of the occasion on social media, Pal spoke of her affection, respect and personal bond with the Chief Minister.
The gesture came as West Bengal marked Raksha Bandhan with a large-scale government-backed celebration across the state. For the first time, the festival has been planned as a statewide official programme, with events organised from district headquarters and municipalities to blocks and gram panchayats.
According to government plans, nearly ₹9 crore has been allocated for the celebrations. Around 25.6 lakh rakhis are also being arranged for distribution across different areas.
A Personal Moment Amid Political Responsibilities
Pal joined the Chief Minister at the Raksha Bandhan celebrations and tied the rakhi on his wrist. In her accompanying message, she highlighted the affection, guidance and support she had received from him at various important moments, describing the festival as a symbol of a bond she hopes will remain strong.
The photograph attracted attention in political circles, offering a more personal glimpse of the relationship between two prominent figures serving in the same government.
Statewide Celebrations
The celebrations have been planned across 22 district headquarters, 45 subdivisions, 345 blocks, 121 municipalities, six municipal corporations and 3,034 gram panchayats, with Kolkata’s 144 municipal wards also included.
Cultural programmes, rakhi distribution and initiatives promoting social harmony have been organised at the local level. A state-level programme was also held at Nazrul Mancha in Kolkata, with around 2,500 college students, NCC members and students from educational and training institutions expected to participate.
The government has described the initiative as an effort to promote social harmony, unity, brotherhood and mutual goodwill.
With celebrations extending from Kolkata to rural Bengal, Raksha Bandhan has taken on a broader public dimension this year. Against that backdrop, the image of Agnimitra Pal tying a rakhi on Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari’s wrist has emerged as one of the festival’s most talked-about political moments.
NG TV NEWS | WEST BENGAL DESK
