West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari apologised on Monday over a government advertisement that depicted Goddess Durga with 11 arms instead of the traditional 10. The ad, which appeared in newspapers ahead of a coordination meeting on Durga Puja preparations, triggered criticism from opposition leaders. Adhikari said those responsible for the defective advertisement had been cautioned and promised greater care in future.

The advertisement was issued to announce a meeting organised by Kolkata Police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation in collaboration with the state information and cultural affairs department. CPIM leader Shatarup Ghosh criticised the depiction, taking a swipe at the BJP government. "Gods gave Durga ten hands and weapons to kill the demon. The BJP government has given her an extra hand," Ghosh said.

TMC MLA and spokesperson Kunal Ghosh also objected to the image, raising the issue with the chief minister on X. "Honourable chief minister, in the government advertisement, Maa D, who is traditionally depicted as 'doshobhuja' (ten-armed), has become 'ekadoshbhuja' (eleven-armed). According to the scriptures, one hand needs to be removed," wrote Kunal Ghosh on X. He posted a picture of the advertisement, which also featured photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Adhikari alongside the image of Goddess Durga. "We hear about various codes of conduct every day. If the number of the Mother's arms increases in 2026, the matter could become complicated. Please immediately instruct the department concerned not to distort the original depiction of the Mother Goddess," he added.

BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said the problem appeared to have originated with the agency responsible for designing and publishing the advertisement. "It can be corrected. The matter should not be politicised," Bhattacharya said when asked about the controversy. The controversy surfaced as the BJP government prepares to oversee its first Durga Puja in West Bengal, with the administration stressing the traditional character of the festival.

Theme-based Puja celebrations were also discussed at Monday's meeting. Adhikari said organisers would be free to use themes but warned them against choosing concepts that could hurt religious or cultural sentiments or undermine Sanatan traditions. The government has said the coordination meeting was intended to help ensure that Durga Puja, West Bengal's biggest annual cultural celebration, is conducted safely and peacefully.