West Bengal Durga Puja Features Trump Idol as ‘Demon’ Over Trade Issues

A Durga Puja committee in West Bengal has generated significant attention this year by unveiling an idol that depicts US President Donald Trump as a demon, symbolizing what they perceive as his betrayal of India. The Khagra Crematorium Ghat Durga Puja Committee revealed this striking representation, inspired by Trump’s trade policies, particularly the tariff increases that they argue have negatively impacted India’s economic interests.

The idol, designed by local artist Asim Pal, reflects the committee’s discontent with Trump’s actions during his presidency. Committee member Pratik stated, “We created this idol in response to the fifty percent tariff he imposed on us. Our Modi, who considered Donald Trump a friend, was betrayed by him. To reflect this, we have portrayed him as a demon.” This statement underscores the tensions felt by some in India regarding the relationship with the United States.

The idol was inaugurated in the presence of Baharampur Municipality Mayor Naru Gopal Mukherjee, quickly becoming a focal point of discussion among attendees. Organisers reported a highly positive reception from the local community, with Pratik noting, “Since yesterday’s inauguration, we have received a strong and positive response from our local community and neighbors. We see him as a demon because he betrayed India behind its back.”

Symbolism of Trade Relations

The choice to depict Trump in this manner illustrates how international politics can influence local cultural expressions. The committee’s interpretation of Trump’s trade policies reflects broader sentiments within India regarding economic relations with the United States, particularly during Modi’s tenure. The relationship has been complex, marked by attempts to strengthen ties juxtaposed with the realities of trade disagreements.

This is not the first instance of Trump being represented in Indian culture. In 2018, a farmer in Telangana made headlines for constructing a temple dedicated to the then US president, expressing hopes of fostering closer ties between the two nations. The Baharampur Puja committee’s decision this year signifies a shift in sentiment, highlighting how global events resonate at the grassroots level.

As the Durga Puja festival unfolds, the portrayal of Trump as a demon serves as a reminder of the intertwining of cultural practices with global political narratives. The festival, celebrated widely across India and beyond, continues to evolve, reflecting the complexities of contemporary international relations.