BJP Targets TMC After Singer Lagnajita Chakraborty Heckled During Jago Ma Performance

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after popular singer Lagnajita Chakraborty was allegedly heckled during a live performance, prompting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to launch a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The incident occurred while the singer was performing the patriotic song ‘Jago Ma’, triggering outrage across political and cultural circles.

According to reports, Lagnajita Chakraborty faced disruptions and heckling from a section of the audience during her performance at a public event in Bengal. Videos circulating on social media show visible tension on stage, with the singer reportedly being forced to pause amid the disturbance. While organisers later attempted to calm the situation, the episode sparked widespread debate about freedom of expression and artistic independence in the state.

The song ‘Jago Ma’ holds strong emotional and cultural significance in Bengal, often associated with patriotism and social awakening. The alleged disruption of its performance quickly became a flashpoint for political reactions.

Reacting strongly, the BJP accused the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government of fostering an environment where voices of dissent and cultural expression are being stifled. Senior BJP leaders termed the incident as an example of “cultural intolerance”, claiming that even artists are not spared if their work does not align with the ruling party’s narrative.

In a statement, BJP leaders said, “When a song like ‘Jago Ma’ is silenced, it reflects how freedom of expression is under threat in Bengal.” The party alleged that such incidents highlight a broader pattern of suppression of free speech and intimidation of artists in the state.

The Trinamool Congress, however, dismissed the BJP’s allegations, calling them politically motivated and exaggerated. TMC leaders argued that the incident was being deliberately politicised to malign the state government. They claimed that crowd disturbances at public events are not uncommon and should not be given a political colour.

The ruling party also questioned the BJP’s intent, accusing it of using cultural incidents to create political polarisation, especially ahead of upcoming elections.

Several artists, musicians, and cultural commentators have expressed concern over the incident, stressing the need to protect creative freedom regardless of political affiliations. Many took to social media to support Lagnajita Chakraborty, calling for a respectful environment for artists performing on public platforms.

Some cultural figures warned that repeated disruptions at artistic events could discourage creative expression and public performances, impacting Bengal’s rich cultural heritage.

The episode has reignited a broader debate on freedom of expression, political sensitivity, and cultural space in Bengal. Opposition parties argue that artists should not be subjected to political hostility, while the government maintains that isolated incidents should not be misused for political gain.

The heckling of singer Lagnajita Chakraborty during her performance of ‘Jago Ma’ has gone beyond a cultural incident, evolving into a political flashpoint between the BJP and TMC. As the debate intensifies, the incident underscores the growing tension between art, politics, and free expression in West Bengal, raising questions about how cultural voices can be safeguarded in an increasingly polarized environment.