Did the Cash-Strapped Bengal Government Really Spend Rs 42 Crore on Digha Jagannath Temple 'Prasad'?
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Synopsis
The West Bengal BJP has raised serious allegations against the state government for spending a staggering Rs 42 crore on sweets labeled as 'sacred Prasad' at the Digha Jagannath Temple. This expenditure comes amidst claims of a financial crisis within the state. Will this expenditure be justified or challenged further?
Key Takeaways
- The West Bengal government allegedly spent Rs 42 crore on sweets labeled as ‘sacred Prasad’.
- BJP leaders emphasize the financial strains faced by the state.
- Concerns have been raised about the involvement of non-Hindus in religious practices.
- WBHIDCO’s role in this expenditure is under scrutiny.
- Public sentiment is largely critical of the government's actions.
Kolkata, June 21 (NationPress) A prominent figure from the West Bengal BJP has claimed that the state administration has allocated Rs 42 crore from its already strained budget for the distribution of sweets termed as ‘sacred Prasad’ from the Jagannath Temple at Digha.
The Digha Jagannath Temple is said to be inspired by the renowned Shree Jagannath Dham Temple in Puri, Odisha.
BJP general secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay shared a video addressing the media, raising concerns about this expenditure on two significant grounds. Firstly, he criticized this “extravagant” spending at a time when the state government is reportedly experiencing a financial crisis, struggling to cover essential expenses.
“A total of Rs 32 crore has already been allocated to various district magistrates and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Additionally, orders have been issued from the state exchequer to allocate an extra Rs 10 crore for this purpose. Meanwhile, the state struggles to pay dearness allowances to its public employees, and there’s significant uncertainty regarding school job openings. Just this month, the state has borrowed Rs 4,000 crore from the market. How can the government justify spending Rs 42 crore on distributing sweets labeled as ‘sacred Prasad’ from the Digha temple?” Chattopadhyay remarked.
His second point of contention is the financial burden being carried by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO), the body responsible for the implementation of the Digha Jagannath Temple project, which is recorded in government documents as the Shree Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre.
“WBHIDCO’s primary role is to develop housing infrastructure within the state. Why should it allocate funds for the distribution of sweets labeled as ‘sacred Prasad’? WBHIDCO faces pressure to undertake this task based on an informal directive from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. They are now reallocating budgets from different projects to fulfill this expense. WBHIDCO officials need to clarify the source of the mandate for this expenditure,” Chattopadhyay stated.
Earlier this week, Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP’s IT cell and central observer for West Bengal, accused the Mamata Banerjee administration of allowing non-Hindus to prepare and distribute sweets labeled as ‘sacred Prasad’ from the Digha temple.
He highlighted that relying on non-Hindus for the preparation and distribution of sweets termed ‘sacred Prasad’ disrespects traditional Hindu customs.
According to him, non-Hindus are traditionally restricted from entering the Shree Jagannath Dham Temple at Puri, as this is part of the sanctity associated with Lord Jagannath and his traditions.
“Yet, in Mamata Banerjee’s Bengal, ‘Prasad’ designated for Lord Jagannath’s devotees is sourced from vendors who do not adhere to the faith! This is not secularism, but a targeted sacrilege,” Malviya asserted.
He added that the actions of the administration have deeply offended Hindus in general and devotees of Lord Jagannath in particular.
Point of View
The claims made by the BJP highlight critical concerns about fiscal management within the West Bengal government, especially given the ongoing financial strains. It is essential for the administration to address these allegations transparently to maintain public trust and ensure accountability.
NationPress
21/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the source of the Rs 42 crore expenditure?
The Rs 42 crore is reportedly allocated from the state exchequer for the free distribution of sweets labeled as 'sacred Prasad' from the Digha Jagannath Temple.
Why is the BJP criticizing this expenditure?
The BJP criticizes the expenditure as wasteful, especially during a time when the state faces financial difficulties, including borrowing from the market.
Who is responsible for the distribution of the 'sacred Prasad'?
The distribution of the 'sacred Prasad' is managed by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO), which has raised questions about its mandate.
What are the implications of using non-Hindus for preparation?
BJP leaders argue that allowing non-Hindus to prepare and distribute 'sacred Prasad' is disrespectful to traditional Hindu customs and beliefs.
What is the public sentiment surrounding this issue?
The public sentiment reflects a mix of outrage and confusion, particularly among Hindu devotees, concerning the administration's handling of religious offerings.
