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The Jagannath Temple, already under construction in Digha and now Mahakal Temple in North Bengal indicate that Banerjee is in no mood to give the BJP a space ahead of elections.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee (AITC)
In politics, when you use your opponent’s greatest strength as your shield, you know the fight is a do-or-die one. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is doing exactly that. On Monday, she announced the construction of the Mahakal Temple in Siliguri. Furthermore, she also promised the Gangasagar Bridge. This isn’t just a matter of faith, but a deliberate masterstroke to bat on the BJP’s pitch ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
Mamata Banerjee, once irritated by the slogan “Jai Shri Ram” in West Bengal politics, is now seeking refuge in Mahakal herself. The way Mamata Banerjee has sharpened the religious and cultural agenda in the early weeks of 2025 is the biggest proof of the TMC’s changing strategy.
The Chief Minister has announced that in the second week of January, she will lay the foundation stone for the Mahakal Temple in Siliguri. Furthermore, on January 5, she will lay the foundation stone for the construction of a bridge at Gangasagar.
The Jagannath Temple, already under construction in Digha and now the Mahakal Temple in North Bengal indicate that Mamata Banerjee is in no mood to give the BJP a walkover on the issue of “Hindutva.”
Banerjee on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Durga Angan. The Chief Minister said, “Maa Durga will be worshipped here for 365 days, with the courtyard open daily. Everyone will be able to have darshan of Maa Durga for 365 days. Cultural programs will be held, employment opportunities will be created, and shops will open. The blueprint has been prepared; they also built the Jagannath Dham. I hope they will complete it successfully.”
North Bengal Mathematics: A Breach In BJP’s Fortress
To understand this decision, one must look at the map of Bengal. Siliguri is the gateway to North Bengal. This is the area where the BJP swept the TMC in the last Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The BJP’s hold in North Bengal is very strong, and this is largely due to the consolidation of the tribal and Gorkha communities, as well as the Hindu vote bank.
“Many people are saying that I am appeasing, but I am secular and believe in all religions. I love Bengal, I love India. We love all castes, all religions. This is our ideology. Every person has their own democratic right. I was trying to get the central government to build the Gangasagar bridge, but now I will build it myself. I will lay its foundation stone on January 5, and the bridge will be ready for the public in the next two years,” said Banerjee.
Mamata Banerjee’s statement is not a clarification, but a counter-attack. She wants to establish that her secularism doesn’t exclude Hinduism. She wants to convey the message that she, too, is a Hindu, recites Chandi mantras, and builds temples, but she doesn’t spread hatred like the BJP.
West Bengal, India, India
December 30, 2025, 12:36 IST
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