Can Mamata Banerjee Use Govt Funds To Build Digha Jagannath Temple?

News18

30-04-2025

Last Updated:
A grand Jagannath temple in Digha, costing Rs 250 crore, was built under CM Mamata Banerjee. Opposition accuses her of using public funds for political gains
In the tranquil coastal city of Digha, West Bengal, a grand Jagannath temple, spanning 22 acres and costing Rs 250 crore, has been constructed under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
This impressive temple, built by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO), opens to the public on Wednesday. However, the project has sparked controversy, with opposition parties accusing Banerjee of using the temple for political gains, specifically aiming to cater to Hindu voters.
Who Funded The Temple Project
According to Article 27 of the Indian Constitution, the government is prohibited from funding religious places with taxpayers' money. However, Banerjee justifies the temple's construction by citing Bengal's historical significance in the Bhakti movement. The entire amount has been spent from the government treasury.
Initiated in 2019 at an estimated cost of Rs 143 crore, the temple's construction faced delays due to the pandemic. Resuming in 2022, the project ultimately reached completion at an expenditure of about Rs 250 crore.
What Makes The Digha Jagannath Temple Unique
The temple, designed in the style of the Jagannath temple in Puri, features red sandstone from Rajasthan and Vietnamese marble floors. Standing 65 metres tall, the temple's construction involved over 2,000 artisans, including 800 from Rajasthan. The temple can accommodate thousands of devotees across its three pavilions and includes facilities for religious and cultural programmes, as well as lodging, a fire station, and a police post.
Trinamool Congress has dismissed these allegations, maintaining that Banerjee's secular credentials remain intact. Political analysts, however, suggest that the temple might be an attempt by Banerjee to bolster her image amid rising Hindutva politics in the state.
What Does the Constitution Say About Building Religious Places
India is a secular country as stated in the Constitution, meaning the government neither endorses nor opposes any religion. Article 27 of the Indian Constitution clearly articulates this stance by stating, 'No person shall be required to pay any tax, the proceeds of which are exclusively applied for the expenses of any particular religion or religious denomination or for promoting any religious function."
This implies that the government cannot use tax revenue to construct temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, or any other religious places. However, the government may allocate funds for the renovation and preservation of religious sites of historical significance or to promote tourism under certain circumstances.
Government Expenditure On Religious Programs And Activities
Despite several controversies, the government has allocated funds for temporary arrangements at Kumbh Mela and other religious festivals. Additionally, special assistance and facilities have been provided for religious pilgrimages like Haj Yatra and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
What Does The Constitution Say About Religion
Articles 25-28 of the Constitution of India addresses this clearly:
Article 25: Every citizen has the freedom to believe in, propagate, and practice religion.
Article 26: Religious institutions have the right to manage their own religious affairs.
Article 27: The state cannot use taxpayers' money to promote any particular religion.
Has Any Temple Been Built At Government Expense In India
Generally, no. However, in certain cases, government funds have been used to renovate, preserve, or rebuild historical temples. The Indian government allocates money for the preservation and maintenance of ancient religious sites such as temples, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras. This funding is provided for cultural and heritage conservation purposes, not for religious reasons.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor was constructed by the state government to promote tourism and provide convenience for devotees.
Similarly, the state and central governments worked together to develop the infrastructure and facilities around the Kedarnath Temple during its reconstruction. However, no government funds were used for the sanctum sanctorum or the religious rituals of the temple.
Controversy Over State Funding Of Religious Activities
The Haj subsidy was initiated in 1959, where the Government of India provided financial assistance to Muslims for the Haj pilgrimage, covering expenses like air tickets, medical facilities, and food. This practice often faced opposition and was criticised for allegedly violating Article 27 of the Constitution. In 2012, the Supreme Court suggested its gradual phase-out, and the government fully abolished the subsidy in 2018.
In another instance, the 'Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust' was established to oversee the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Although the temple was funded through public donations, the Uttar Pradesh government used state funds for infrastructure and facilities (such as roads, electricity, and tourism) around the temple. This led to opposition parties accusing the government of violating secularism.
Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh government spent over Rs 700 crore on developing the Kashi Vishwanath temple complex and constructing a corridor to the Ganga Ghat, which also drew criticism from the opposition for allegedly using taxpayers' money for temple infrastructure.
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tags :
constitution Digha Funding jagannath Mamata Banerjee Opposition religious
Location :
West Bengal, India, India
First Published:
April 30, 2025, 15:18 IST
News india Can Mamata Banerjee Use Govt Funds To Build Digha Jagannath Temple? | Explained