Prayagraj, Mumfordganj: A serious dispute has broken out between two separate committees over the organization of this year’s Durga Puja at Saraswati Park in Mumfordganj.
The conflict has created confusion and delayed preparations for the festival, despite both committees claiming to have received official permission from the police to host the Puja.
For the past two years, Saraswati Park has been the venue for the grand Durga Puja celebrations, drawing large participation from residents of the area.
However, internal differences among members of the organizing committee this year have led to a split, resulting in the formation of two rival groups.
Both groups insist they are the legitimate organizers, and each side has presented written permissions issued by the police.
The situation escalated further on Tuesday when, following a complaint from one faction, the Municipal Corporation’s anti-encroachment team arrived at Saraswati Park.
Officials began dismantling the pandal that had been set up during Ganesh Puja, which had concluded only recently.
Members of the other committee strongly opposed this move, leading to heated arguments. Eventually, the matter had to be taken up at the Karnalganj police station for resolution.
Prominent local figure and patron of one committee, Pradeep Mukherji, alias “Chunmun Dada,” stated that his group has been organizing the Durga Puja for the past two years.
He alleged that due to the misconduct of certain office-bearers, a separate group was formed in defiance.
According to him, his committee has the rightful claim and has already been granted permission by the police administration.
In response, Akash Kesrawani, president of the rival committee, countered that his group, too, has been holding the festival in Saraswati Park for the past two years.
He accused others of hatching a conspiracy to establish a new committee merely to seize control and secure separate permission for the Puja.
Speaking on the matter, Colonelganj police station in-charge Rajesh Upadhyay confirmed that both committees had indeed been granted permission for the Puja.
He emphasized that efforts are being made to reach an amicable compromise so that both factions can celebrate together peacefully.
The police are actively mediating to prevent the issue from escalating further and to ensure the festival proceeds without disruption.
Beyond the administrative tussle, residents are deeply concerned about the rift.
Disputes of this nature not only delay festive preparations but also harm the very fabric of community life.
They sully the atmosphere, turn neighbors into rivals, and divide hearts in a locality where people have lived side by side for decades.
Mumfordganj, one of Prayagraj’s older and more historically significant neighborhoods, itself carries a layered identity—residents distinguish between the “old Mumfordganj” and the more recently developed “new Mumfordganj.”
Such internal conflicts risk further deepening social divisions within a community already bound by history and shared traditions.
As the Navratri season approaches, residents of both old and new Mumfordganj remain anxious, awaiting clarity on who will finally organize the celebrations.
The dispute highlights the urgent need for cooperation, dialogue, and unity within community organizations, especially during public events that carry immense cultural and religious importance.
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