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Organisers said the inspiration came from Trump’s trade policies, particularly tariff hikes that they believe harmed India’s economic interests
US President Donald Trump featured as ‘asura’ in Durga Puja pandal in West Bengal | Image: X
A Durga Puja committee in West Bengal has drawn attention with an unusual theme this year, unveiling an idol in which the demon takes the form of US President Donald Trump.
The Khagra Crematorium Ghat Durga Puja Committee said the depiction symbolises what they see as Trump’s “betrayal” of India, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attempts to build strong ties with Washington.
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The idol was designed by artist Asim Pal.
Organisers said the inspiration came from Trump’s trade policies, particularly tariff hikes that they believe harmed India’s economic interests.
“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,” Pratik, a committee member, was quoted as saying by India Today.
The idol was inaugurated in the presence of Baharampur Municipality Mayor Naru Gopal Mukherjee and immediately became a talking point among visitors.
Organisers said the response from the local community had been overwhelmingly supportive.
“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,” Pratik added.
This is not the first time Trump has appeared in India’s cultural expressions.
In 2018, a farmer in Telangana made headlines for building a temple dedicated to the then US president, in hopes of strengthening ties between the two countries.
The Baharampur Puja committee’s choice this year reflects how international politics can ripple into grassroots cultural practices, blending global events with local traditions.
September 27, 2025, 19:59 IST
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