Title: By using word Dham, it’ll not become Dham: BJP on Digha temple row
The newly inaugurated Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal, has sparked a controversy with the state government referring to it as ‘Jagannath Dham’. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reacted strongly to this move, saying that using the word ‘Dham’ will not make the temple a sacred place.
BJP leader Agnimitra Paul stated, “By using the word Dham, it will not become Dham. You can build a temple, but you cannot call it Dham.” According to Agnimitra, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to call the temple ‘Jagannath Dham’ is a calculated move to appease the voters ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
The controversy surrounding the temple’s name is not new. The temple was built by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, and the name ‘Jagannath Dham’ has been a bone of contention for the opposition parties. The BJP has been critical of the government’s decision to use the word ‘Dham’, saying that it is a deliberate attempt to mislead the people.
Agnimitra Paul, the BJP leader, has been vocal about her opposition to the government’s decision. She stated, “The Chief Minister is trying to create a false narrative to gain political mileage. But the people of West Bengal are not fools. They know that ‘Dham’ is a sacred place and cannot be used for political gains.”
The BJP leader also accused the TMC government of trying to destroy the cultural and historical heritage of the state. She stated, “The TMC government has been trying to erase the cultural and historical identity of West Bengal. They are trying to create a new narrative, but the people will not be fooled.”
The controversy surrounding the temple’s name has also sparked a debate about the use of the word ‘Dham’ in Indian culture. ‘Dham’ is a sacred place in Hinduism, and using it to describe a temple is considered a sacrilegious act by many. The BJP has been critical of the government’s decision to use the word, saying that it is a disrespect to the Hindu faith.
However, the TMC government has defended its decision, saying that the word ‘Dham’ is used to describe many temples in India. The government has also stated that it is not trying to create a false narrative, but rather to promote the cultural and historical heritage of the state.
The controversy surrounding the temple’s name has also raised questions about the role of politics in cultural and historical issues. The BJP has been critical of the government’s decision, saying that it is a deliberate attempt to use religion for political gains. The TMC government, on the other hand, has defended its decision, saying that it is a genuine attempt to promote the cultural and historical heritage of the state.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the Jagannath temple in Digha is a complex issue that involves politics, culture, and religion. The BJP has been critical of the government’s decision to use the word ‘Dham’, saying that it is a disrespect to the Hindu faith and a deliberate attempt to use religion for political gains. The TMC government, on the other hand, has defended its decision, saying that it is a genuine attempt to promote the cultural and historical heritage of the state.
Regardless of the controversy, one thing is clear – the use of the word ‘Dham’ has sparked a debate about the role of politics in cultural and historical issues. The controversy has also raised questions about the importance of preserving cultural and historical heritage in India.
News Source: https://x.com/ANI/status/1918679543490998338
