Mamata Banerjee's Digha Rath Yatra sets off political chariot war
The Mamata Banerjee government is organizing a grand Rath Yatra in Digha. This event follows the recent inauguration of the Jagannath Dham Temple. The BJP accuses Banerjee of 'Rath politics' to gain Hindu votes. Banerjee plans to distribute Lord Jagannath's 'prasad' across Bengal. ISKCON supports the initiative. Preparations are underway with tight security for the Rath Yatra.
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Digha: With the Mamata Banerjee government organising a mega Rath Yatra, a first of its kind in the coastal town of Digha in West Bengal, after the recent inauguration of new Jagannath Dham Temple in April, a 'chariot warfare' seems to have gained momentum in West Bengal, ahead of the 2026 assembly polls.The BJP has been very vocal in accusing Banerjee of resorting to 'Rath politics' as part of her efforts to consolidate the Hindu vote bank. And the chief minister is leaving no stone untouched. Arrangements have been initiated by the chief minister to distribute Lord Jagannath's "prasad" to all the people across Bengal. This move, though maligned by the BJP, is considered Banerjee's masterstroke to touch the hearts of all Hindus across the state.And, ISKCON vice-president Radharaman Das said Mamata Banerjee has brought mangoes and guava from trees at her own house and dresses for the deities at Jagannath Dham in Digha.The Rath Yatra is very symbolic as the chariots represent the warships in Mahabharata's Kurukhetra's Yudh, and is emerging as the new battleground in Bengal's political arena.With people thronging from all across the state to Digha, preparations are in full swing with three chariots kept ready for the Rath Yatra. Banerjee attended meetings with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, DGP Rajeev Kumar and ISKCON temple authorities on Thursday afternoon to monitor the preparations, ahead of the Rath Yatra on Friday.Major security arrangements have been made in Digha with fire brigades, police assistance booths and drinking water facilities made available. Security has been beefed up, with the Kolkata Police and civic police present in large numbers."Jagannath Dham is a holy pilgrimage spot. Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra -- the three idols -- will be taken from the temple to the Rath on Thursday night. The road is a little narrow. The pujas will start after 9.30 am on Friday. The temple will remain open for pilgrims...," Banerjee said.
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