Why Did Bengal CM Direct the State to Send Lord Jagannath Idol Photos and Prasad to Every Home?
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Synopsis
In an unprecedented move, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered that images of Lord Jagannath and prasad from the Digha temple be delivered to every household in West Bengal. This initiative raises questions about the intersection of politics and religion in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has initiated the distribution of Lord Jagannath images and prasad to all homes in West Bengal.
- The temple resembles the Shree Jagannath Dham temple in Puri, Odisha.
- Concerns have been raised regarding the political implications of this religious initiative.
- The state information and cultural affairs department is tasked with this responsibility.
- Critics argue that this is an attempt to use religion for political leverage.
Kolkata, April 30 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday assigned the state information and cultural affairs department with the duty of ensuring that the images of the idol of Lord Jagannath and the ‘prasad’ from the Digha temple in East Midnapore district are delivered to every household in West Bengal.
“In addition, the images of the deity and the prasad will also reach the residences of notable figures across the nation,” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated following the temple's inauguration.
This temple is designed to resemble the renowned Shree Jagannath Dham temple located in Puri, Odisha.
However, she did not clarify if the “prominent personalities” include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, other members of the Union Cabinet, and national-level BJP leaders.
Interestingly, the Chief Minister is also responsible for the state information and cultural affairs department, with singer-turned-politician Indranil Sen serving as the Minister of State for that department.
“We will make every effort to ensure that the images of the idol of the Lord Jagannath Temple and prasad from this temple are dispatched to every single home in the state. I assign this task to the state information and cultural affairs department,” Chief Minister Banerjee said.
Political analysts have pointed out that involving the state department might lead to further controversies, as ideally no government agency should directly engage in the operations of any religious establishment.
CPI-M Central Committee member Sujan Chakraborty commented that the entire initiative illustrates how Trinamool Congress, similar to the BJP, is attempting to leverage religion for political advantage.
“The primary duty of any government should be to create job opportunities for unemployed youth and ensure appointment letters are reaching their homes. Instead, the Chief Minister is focusing on sending prasad to their doorsteps. This shows how both Trinamool Congress and BJP are using religion for political gains,” he remarked.
BJP spokesperson from West Bengal, Rajarshi Lahiri, questioned the authenticity of the structure at Digha, noting that according to official state records, it is referred to as the Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre.
The West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Company was the implementing agency for the temple's construction.
“Is the Chief Minister designating this structure as a temple? Is it referred to as a temple in official records?” Lahiri asked.
Point of View
This initiative reflects the ongoing interplay between political agendas and religious sentiments. While it may aim to enhance cultural connectivity, it also invites scrutiny regarding government involvement in religious affairs and the potential for political exploitation.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of sending Lord Jagannath's images and prasad?
The initiative aims to bring the blessings of Lord Jagannath to every household in West Bengal, fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection.
Who is responsible for this initiative?
The responsibility falls to the state information and cultural affairs department, under the direction of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
What has been the political response to this action?
Political observers have expressed concerns about the potential misuse of religion for political gain, drawing comparisons with the BJP's strategies.
Is the temple modeled after another famous temple?
Yes, the Digha temple is modeled after the iconic Shree Jagannath Dham temple in Puri, Odisha.
Will important personalities receive prasad too?
Yes, the initiative includes plans to send images and prasad to notable individuals across the country.
