Digha Temple: Will Mamata Banerjee Pray for Peace Amid Murshidabad Violence?

Title: TMC’s Jagannath Temple Inauguration Sparks BJP Controversy

Introduction:
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is set to unveil a Jagannath temple in Digha, Purba Medinipur district, on Akshaya Tritiya, a day ahead of the state elections. This move has left the BJP in a bind, as it seeks to capitalize on the communal violence in Murshidabad.

Key Points:

1. TMC’s Political Maneuver:

   • Mamata Banerjee’s Inauguration: West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the temple on Akshaya Tritiya, aiming to benefit politically from the occasion.
   • BJP’s Response: The BJP, under the leadership of Sukanta Majumdar, has criticized Banerjee for allegedly appeasing Muslims and has called her a "fake Hindu."

2. Political Tension:

   • Opposition Rally: Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition, has announced a rally of Sanatani Hindus in Contai, another Purba Medinipur district, to counter the TMC’s move.
   • BJP’s Campaign: The BJP is also planning to renovate temples in Murshidabad, claiming they were damaged during the recent violence.

3. TMC’s Defense:

   • Blunting Criticism: A senior TMC leader argues that by playing the temple politics card, Banerjee can counter the BJP’s criticism that she is appeasing only Muslims.
   • Criticism of Government Funds: The BJP has accused Banerjee of using government funds to construct temples, which the TMC denies.

4. Cultural Center vs. Temple:

   • Adhikari’s Allegations: Suvendu Adhikari, a BJP leader, has alleged that the temple will be a cultural center, not a temple, as the Constitution bars taxpayers’ money from being used for places of worship.
   • TMC’s Counter: The TMC has responded by saying that Banerjee is a "fake Hindu" and that temples can’t be built using government funds.
5. Rebuilding and Restoration:
   • BJP’s Commitment: The BJP has reiterated its commitment to rebuilding and restoring vandalized Hindu temples in Murshidabad.
   • Majumdar’s Statement: State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar has called for reinstalling idols of deities in the mandirs of Murshidabad.

Conclusion:
The TMC’s move to inaugurate a Jagannath temple in Digha has sparked a heated debate between the BJP and the TMC. The BJP’s criticism of Banerjee’s actions and the TMC’s defense of her political maneuvering highlight the ongoing tensions in the state. As the state elections approach, both parties are using this occasion to gain political leverage.

Reference : https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/digha-jagannath-temple-murshidabad-violence-mamata-banerjee-9973722/