Kolkata: As some of Kolkata’s prominent Durga Puja organisers publicly distance themselves from the sale of VIP passes, questions have emerged over whether the practice is disappearing or merely shifting to other channels. While clubs have taken to social media to warn people against buying passes in their name, online advertisements continue to offer privileged access to some of the city’s biggest pujas, with prices ranging from Rs 499 to Rs 3,999.Durgapuja Samannay Samity (DPSS), an umbrella body of Durga Puja organisers formed a few weeks ago, has called for the practice of selling VIP passes to be discontinued. At a meeting with Kolkata Police officials last week, the members said privileged access should not be monetised, arguing that it could give a select few an advantage while denying millions of pandal-hoppers a fair chance to visit the pujas.The debate has also resurfaced against the backdrop of an ED investigation into alleged corruption involving Durga Puja preview-show passes. Last week, the agency questioned a senior minister from the previous regime in connection with the case. ED has claimed that several crores of rupees were generated through the alleged operation since 2022.Major pujas in the city have therefore decided to come out and declare that they are not selling any VIP passes.Chetla Agrani Club has announced that it is not selling any VIP passes or car stickers. “We are not selling any VIP passes or car stickers,” said the club’s general secretary, Suvendu Samanta. The organisers have also posted the message on social media. Suruchi Sangha has issued a similar clarification online. A representative of the club said, “The club management shall bear no responsibility or liability whatsoever for such transactions, payments or losses.”However, several social media accounts claim to be selling passes to prominent pujas in the city. Prices vary according to the number and scale of the pujas covered. “I have purchased puja passes from a service provider that has collaborated with several major pujas in the city,” said a Central Kolkata resident.A member of a puja organising team alleged that some clubs had chosen not to sell passes directly this year to avoid scrutiny. “They have circumvented the entire process and are selling passes through service providers and other vendors,” the organiser claimed.A few corporates, however, have printed VIP passes like every year and they are being circulated. “We have printed passes after discussions with the respective puja committees. We never sell them but distribute them in select offices and corporate houses,” said the director of a cable TV distribution network.Meanwhile, a club in central Kolkata has introduced an annual membership scheme, promising “darshan” of the mandap, prasad and other perks. “Such arrangements raise questions about how special access is being offered and whether it is distinct from the paid VIP-pass culture that has come under scrutiny,” said another organiser.
