Digha Jagannath Temple: A Strategic Move in Bengal's Electoral Landscape

Spread the love

In a significant political development, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the much-anticipated Jagannath Temple in Digha on April 30, 2025, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The temple, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹250 crore, is designed to resemble the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, and aims to position Digha as a prominent religious tourism destination.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including ISKCON Kolkata Vice President Radharamn Das, who has been appointed to the temple’s board of trustees. This inclusion has sparked controversy, with critics alleging that the project is an attempt by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to consolidate the Hindu vote ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Opposition leaders, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have accused Banerjee of using religious sentiments for political gains.

The BJP has raised constitutional concerns, arguing that the use of public funds for constructing a religious institution violates the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, stated, “The state government cannot use taxpayer money for religious purposes. This is a clear violation of constitutional norms.” Adhikari further criticized the TMC for allegedly misrepresenting the project as a “cultural center” in official documents to circumvent legal scrutiny.

On the other hand, Mamata Banerjee has defended the project, emphasizing its potential to boost tourism and create employment opportunities in the region. During the inauguration, she remarked, “This temple will not only serve as a place of worship but also as a symbol of our rich cultural heritage. It will attract visitors from across the world and contribute to the economic development of Digha.”

The temple’s design incorporates elements from the Puri Jagannath Temple, including a similar height and architectural features. However, Banerjee clarified that the Digha temple would offer different prasad items, such as gujia and peda, instead of the traditional khaja offered in Puri. She also announced a personal donation of ₹5 lakh for the ceremonial golden broom, a symbolic item used during the Rath Yatra in Puri.

Despite the TMC’s assertions, the project has faced criticism from various quarters. Some political analysts argue that the timing of the temple’s inauguration, just a year before the state elections, raises questions about the TMC’s intentions. The inclusion of Radharamn Das, a prominent ISKCON leader known for his activism on issues related to the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, has further fueled speculations about the TMC’s strategy to appeal to the Hindu electorate.

In response to these allegations, Banerjee has accused the BJP of playing divisive politics and attempting to undermine the state’s cultural initiatives. She stated, “The BJP has always tried to create rifts in our society. We are committed to promoting unity and harmony through our cultural projects.”

As the political discourse intensifies, the Digha Jagannath Temple stands as a testament to the complex interplay between religion and politics in contemporary India. While the temple’s potential to enhance Digha’s status as a religious tourism hub is evident, its political ramifications continue to unfold, influencing the strategies of both the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP in the lead-up to the 2026 Assembly elections.