Archive · 1 Jan 2026
TMC's Temple Projects Spark Political Debate
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, is building several temples in the state.
Some people, like the BJP, say the government shouldn't build temples.
Others, like the Left parties, say she's doing this to hide her failures in making the state better.
Mamata Banerjee says she's being fair to all religions and wants to attract more tourists.
The BJP says it's too late for these projects, and the Left says it's just politics.
The temples are in places like Kolkata, Digha, and Siliguri, and one of them has already had a million visitors.
The TMC is trying to balance Hindu and minority votes as the 2026 elections approach.
Mamata Banerjee is building temples in West Bengal, including Jagannath temple in Digha, Durga Angan in Kolkata, and Mahakal temple in Siliguri.
The TMC government aims to promote heritage tourism and counter BJP's Hindu consolidation strategy.
BJP opposes government-funded temples, while the Left alleges 'soft Hindutva' to divert from governance failures.
Durga Angan, a 17-acre temple complex, is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists.
The Jagannath temple in Digha has already seen 1 crore visitors since its inauguration on April 30.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her political opponents, including the BJP and Left parties
- What
- Controversy over Mamata Banerjee's temple projects and their political implications
- When
- Recent developments, with the foundation stone laid for Durga Angan on Monday
- Where
- West Bengal, including Kolkata, Digha, and Siliguri
- Why
- To promote heritage tourism, counter BJP's Hindu consolidation strategy, and assert secular credentials
- Chief Minister
- Mamata Banerjee
- Temples Involved
- Jagannath temple (Digha), Durga Angan (Kolkata), Mahakal temple (Siliguri)
- Tourist Footfall
- 1 crore at Jagannath temple
- BJP's Stance
- Opposes government-funded temples, claims it's too late
- Left's Allegation
- Accuses TMC of 'soft Hindutva' to divert from failures
- TMC's Defense
- Claims projects promote tourism and secularism
- Economic Benefit
- Aims to boost heritage tourism
- Political Benefit
- Seeks to counter BJP's Hindu consolidation strategy
- TMC's Vote Margin
- Declined from 61 lakh in 2021 to 42 lakh in 2024
- Durga Puja Grants
- Increased from Rs 10,000 in 2018 to Rs 85,000 in 2024
