Temple or cultural centre? BJP questions Bengal's Jagannath Dham project
He also sought clarification on the identity of the chairperson of WBHIDCO, as the website lists 'Janab Firhad Hakim', Urban Development Minister, in the role. If that is indeed the case, he questioned why Hakim's name was not printed on the invitation.advertisementAdhikari further enquired about Hakim's involvement with the structure under construction, pointing to media rumours suggesting that he had been removed from his position as chairperson without ceremony. If this were true, he asked, 'Why is Firhad Hakim's name still listed as the HIDCO Chairman?'A series of questions were raised regarding the donations, specifically whether they would be considered "temple property" or treated as part of the corporation's revenue. Adhikari also enquired about the staff appointments, asking about the qualifications required to become a staff member and whether non-Hindus would be considered for positions.In an attempt to ignite a religious debate, he posed his final question, stating that if Digha's Jagannath Dham was modelled after the Puri Jagannath Dham, then, according to the latter's rules, the entry of non-Hindus would be prohibited.Concluding his statement, he asked, 'Since the WB Government or HIDCO (a Public Sector Undertaking) controls the site, can it discriminate when appointing individuals based on religion?'In December last year, Adhikari had questioned the construction, saying the Jagannath Temple in Puri was one of the Char Dhams and "replicating" it was unacceptable. He argued that public funds should not be used for constructing religious sites.
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