BJP’s Dilemma: Opposing Digha Jagannath Temple Amidst Accusations of Religious Appeasement
The inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 30, 2025, has placed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a challenging position. The temple, constructed at a cost of ₹250 crore, is designed to replicate the architectural splendor of Odisha’s Puri Jagannath Temple and aims to transform Digha into a major religious tourism destination.
The BJP has expressed strong opposition to the project, citing constitutional concerns regarding the use of public funds for religious purposes. Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, criticized the TMC for allegedly misrepresenting the project as a “cultural center” in official documents to circumvent legal scrutiny. He stated, “The state government cannot use taxpayer money for religious purposes. This is a clear violation of constitutional norms.”
However, the BJP’s stance has been met with criticism from various quarters. Political analysts argue that the party’s opposition to the temple project contradicts its usual support for Hindu religious initiatives. Some have accused the BJP of selective secularism, questioning why it is opposing a Hindu religious project in West Bengal when it has supported similar initiatives in other states.
In response to these criticisms, BJP leaders have defended their position, emphasizing the importance of adhering to constitutional principles. They argue that their opposition is not based on religious considerations but on the need to uphold the secular fabric of the nation. A senior BJP leader stated, “Our party has always been committed to the principles of the Constitution. Our opposition to the Digha Jagannath Temple is based on legal and constitutional grounds, not on religious sentiments.”
The BJP’s dilemma is further complicated by the political dynamics in West Bengal. The TMC has accused the BJP of attempting to undermine the state’s cultural initiatives and of playing divisive politics. Mamata Banerjee remarked, “The BJP has always tried to create rifts in our society. We are committed to promoting unity and harmony through our cultural projects.”
