Dilip Ghosh’s Visit to Digha Jagannath Temple Sparks Controversy Amid Political Tensions

The recent inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal, has become a focal point of political discourse, especially with the participation of BJP leader Dilip Ghosh. The temple, a significant project by the West Bengal government, has been at the center of a political storm, with various leaders expressing their views.

On April 30, 2025, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the temple, a project that has been in the works for several years. The temple, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 250 crore, is designed to resemble the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri. It features a grand structure, guest rooms, rest areas, and provisions for local vendors, aiming to boost tourism and religious tourism in the region.

However, the inauguration was not without controversy. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh attended the event, which led to a series of political reactions. Ghosh’s presence at the inauguration was seen by some as an attempt to align himself with the religious sentiments of the people, while others viewed it as a political move to gain favor in a region where the BJP has been trying to establish a stronger foothold.​

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been accused by the BJP of using the temple project for political gains, especially with the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections in mind. The BJP has raised questions about the use of public funds for the construction of a religious institution, arguing that it goes against the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution. In response, the TMC has defended the project, stating that it is aimed at promoting tourism and preserving cultural heritage.​

The involvement of religious organizations has also added another layer to the controversy. ISKCON Kolkata vice president Radharamn Das was included in the temple’s board of trustees, a move that some interpret as a strategic alignment with religious groups. This inclusion has been seen as a way to counter the BJP’s narrative and to appeal to the religious sentiments of the people.

In the midst of these political maneuvers, the people of Digha have expressed mixed reactions. While some welcome the development of the temple as a boost to local tourism and religious tourism, others are wary of the political undertones associated with the project. The debate continues to unfold, with the temple standing as a symbol of the complex interplay between religion and politics in contemporary India.