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The West Bengal BJP, however, criticised CM Mamata Banerjee for creating a political spectacle and alleged that she is deviating from traditional practices
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee inspects preparations for the Rath Yatra ahead of the festivities beginning on June 27. (Image: News18)
A Rath Yatra for tourists in West Bengal’s Digha has triggered a political controversy with the state BJP accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led government of deviating from tradition.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, denied any kind of political posturing and said there was no competition with Jagannath temple in Odisha’s Puri.
This temple on the coastal town is the main destination of the Rath Yatra, which is considered the largest and oldest Hindu chariot festival celebrated annually.
This time, Digha – a popular beach destination – is celebrating the ancient festival for the first time. Banerjee is personally camping there and will be present to pull the chariot rope, marking the beginning of the festivities.
The BJP in the state, however, criticised the chief minister for creating a political spectacle by taking part in the event and alleged that she is deviating from traditional Sanatani practices.
“Mamata has realised that 70% are uniting this time. She refers to the Mahakumbh as the ‘Death Kumbh’. In Uluberia, they have said no new Rath Yatra can be organised. But I will tell Malda and Uluberia tomorrow to celebrate Rath Yatra as a symbolic act. Whatever happens, I will handle it and take responsibility,” said opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP.
Addressing comparisons being drawn between Puri and Digha, Banerjee dismissed the controversy. “We love the Jagannath temple in Puri, and they should love our temple too. Many people from Puri have come here,” she said.
“We are very excited as first time Rath Yatra will take place in Digha. There is no competition between Puri and Digha. Puri is the source, but in Digha, foreign tourists will also take part in the festivities; that does not happen in Puri. I will not go into politics…” ISKCON representative Radha Raman Das told News18.
WHAT ARE THE PREPARATIONS?
Three majestic chariots – for the Hindu deities of Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra – have been made ready for the ceremonial procession. There are extensive security arrangements in place to ensure a peaceful and well-managed event.
On the eve of the Yatra, Banerjee reviewed the final preparations. “The main event will begin tomorrow at 9 am. Some people may leave after seeing the chariots, but the Dham will remain open. The stone idols will remain in the temple, while the neem wood idol will be brought to the chariot at 9.30 am. We will arrive at 2 pm, and the chariot pulling will begin at 2.30 pm,” she told reporters.
Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar…Read More
Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar… Read More
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