West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Wednesday that the newly constructed Jagannath temple in Digha, East Midnapore, will be inaugurated on April 30, 2025, coinciding with Akshay Tritiya. The Rs 250 crore project, spearheaded by the state government, is expected to significantly boost the region’s tourism appeal.
Inspecting the temple alongside ISKCON Kolkata Vice-President Radharaman Das and senior officials, Banerjee expressed satisfaction with the progress of construction. “This temple will be a global attraction for years to come. I thank HIDCO for their excellent work,” she said. She also revealed plans to donate Rs 5 lakh from her personal account for a ceremonial golden broom to be used during the temple’s rituals.
The temple, envisioned as a cultural landmark, will be managed by a trustee board comprising government officials and religious representatives, including ISKCON. Banerjee emphasised that the temple would host annual Rath Yatras starting in 2025, further enriching its cultural significance.
The announcement, however, has stirred political tensions. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari criticised the government for funding the temple, calling it a “cultural centre” rather than a religious structure. “Temples, mosques, or gurudwaras cannot be built with government money. The Digha project is not comparable to the sacred Puri Jagannath temple,” Adhikari said. He also accused Banerjee of attempting to win over Hindu voters ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Responding to the criticism, ISKCON’s Radharaman Das clarified, “ISKCON is a non-political organisation and focuses solely on serving God. The temple project aligns with this mission.”
Banerjee stated, “This is not like Puri. It is a new creation meant to boost tourism and culture in East Midnapore.”
