Mamata Sets Inauguration Date for Jagannath Temple in Digha, BJP Raises Concerns Over State Funding
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Kolkata, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, revealed on Wednesday that the opening ceremony for the Jagannath Temple in Digha, designed after the famous Puri Jagannath Temple, will take place in April of next year, specifically on Akshaya Tritiya (April 30).
During her visit to the construction site, the Chief Minister emphasized her commitment to building a Jagannath Temple near the scenic beaches of Digha. “After three years of dedicated work, we are set to inaugurate it on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya next year,” she stated.
However, she refrained from making any direct comparisons to the revered temple in Puri, noting that “the original was constructed by the royal lineage, whereas this initiative is entirely backed by the state government,” she clarified.
In contrast, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, asserted that official state documents refer to the ongoing project as the Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre, with the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) overseeing its implementation.
“The Indian Constitution prohibits government funding for any religious endeavors. This represents an unconstitutional move by the state administration, and we oppose such initiatives. The Puri temple will endure in the hearts of countless traditional Hindus as one of the sacred Dhams,” stated the Leader of the Opposition.
Earlier, the Chief Minister made it clear that she opposes political interference in the temple's affairs at Digha and has chosen not to be part of the temple's trustee board.
“My involvement has been purely voluntary. The temple's operations will now be handled by the trustee board members,” the Chief Minister concluded.
