Former United National Congress government minister Dr Devant Maharaj has publicly praised the People’s National Movement (PNM) for its historical support of Divali Nagar, prompting a sharp response from government minister Phillip Edward Alexander, who has questioned Maharaj’s consistency on state funding for cultural organisations.
In a commentary titled The PNM Gave. They Never Pulled, Maharaj argued that successive PNM administrations continued supporting Divali Nagar even when the festival’s platform was used to criticise the government.
He contrasted that history with the situation under Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, as several state-controlled companies have withdrawn sponsorship from this year’s celebrations.
Maharaj maintained that the PNM continued providing assistance despite political disagreements, while accusing the present administration of failing to extend the same support.
However, Alexander, a government senator and Minister in the Ministry of Housing, challenged Maharaj’s position in a lengthy response titled Devant Maharaj: The Hindu Wallet, Political Convenience and the Culture of State Dependency.
Alexander revisited Maharaj’s own criticism of Divali Nagar nearly three decades ago.
In a June 1998 article published by Hinduism Today, Maharaj, then an executive member of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, criticised the increasing commercialisation of Divali Nagar.
He described the event as a commercial enterprise that had discovered the purchasing power of the Hindu community.
Alexander questioned why Maharaj previously criticised the festival’s commercial character but now advocates continued state financial support.
The government minister also raised questions about Maharaj’s previous involvement with the Maha Sabha and his record during his own years in government.
He argued that established cultural institutions with permanent facilities, rental opportunities and commercial activities should develop greater financial independence rather than depend on annual government assistance.
Alexander maintained that taxpayers’ resources should be distributed transparently and equitably among cultural, religious, sporting and community organisations.
The disagreement comes amid confirmed sponsorship withdrawals involving bmobile, First Citizens Bank and National Flour Mills, while Caribbean Airlines and the National Lotteries Control Board have also not returned as sponsors.
National Council of Indian Culture president Surujdeo Mangaroo has estimated that this year’s Divali Nagar will cost approximately TT$5 million.
Mangaroo has explained that the organisation faces significant expenses for security, electricity, maintenance, artistes, equipment and event operations despite generating income through commercial activities.
Private company Blue Waters has since increased its sponsorship, becoming a Diamond Sponsor for the festival’s 40th anniversary.
Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath has also defended bmobile’s decision to direct financial support towards community-based Divali celebrations, arguing that state company spending should deliver value to a wider cross-section of the population.
While Maharaj views continued state sponsorship as an important commitment to cultural preservation, Alexander maintains that cultural significance does not create an automatic entitlement to public funding.
The controversy has therefore expanded beyond the withdrawal of corporate support into a wider national discussion about political consistency, government responsibility and the financial sustainability of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural institutions.
Divali Nagar 2026 is scheduled to run from October 30 to November 7 in Chaguanas, with organisers maintaining that admission will remain free.