TMC chief assaults BJP amid West Bengal Jagannath temple row: ‘Ought to look into their ethics’

Addressing a press convention on Saturday, TMC chief Jay Prakash Majumdar mentioned, “The BJP is in energy in Odisha. The query was raised by one of many BJP leaders… In the event that they query the institution of a Hindu Mandir, this reveals their desperation,” reported ANI.

The Twelfth-century Jagannath Temple in Odisha, which is ruled by the BJP, is an historic temple. The one inaugurated in West Bengal by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is a reproduction of Odisha’s temple.

“The BJP is in energy in Odisha. The query was raised by one of many BJP leaders… In the event that they query the institution of a Hindu Mandir, this reveals their desperation,” ANI quoted Majumdar as saying.

The Trinamool chief additionally questioned the BJP ‘Hindutva’ stance for criticising the opening of the brand new temple. “On one hand, the BJP claims to be a ‘Hinduwadi’ occasion, and alternatively, they’re elevating questions on the Pratishtha of the temple (Digha Jagannath temple)… They need to look into the ethics of their occasion,” he mentioned.

Additionally learn: Odisha to probe use of leftover wooden from Puri at Digha’s Jagannath temple

He additionally mentioned that any considerations relating to the temple and its consecration needs to be addressed by the 4 Shankaracharyas and never politicians. “If there may be any query on the institution, then it needs to be requested by the 4 Shankaracharyas,” he mentioned.

Row over West Bengal Jagannath temple

The controversy over West Bengal’s Jagannath temple, constructed for ₹250 crore by the state authorities, erupted after it was consecrated on April 30 within the presence of chief minister Mamata Banerjee. “I dedicate this temple to the folks. Let this be a spot of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. Allow us to pray for peace and concord,” Banerjee mentioned through the ceremony.

Nevertheless, many politicians, together with these from BJP and Congress criticized the naming of the temple as ‘Jagannath Dham’ because the unique temple lies in Odisha’s Puri.

BJP chief Suvendu Adhikari accused the chief minister of passing off a “tradition centre” as a “temple”. “ Individuals are having fish and meat on the market and strolling round in sneakers. She is a faux Hindu,” he mentioned whereas addressing the media.

On Saturday, Odisha minister Prithviraj Harichandan wrote to the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple, Arabinda Kumar Padhe, and requested him to conduct a probe into the naming of Digha Temple as ‘Jagannath Dham’. He additionally requested him to probe the participation of Puri Temple sevayats within the consecration ceremony, and using “Daru Katha” for idol development, reported ANI.