NewKerala.com

Key Points

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly denied allegations by the Odisha government about using timber from Puri's Jagannath Temple for a new temple in Digha. She challenged the accusations, pointing out that the wood was brought by a temple official and questioning the motives behind the claim. Banerjee emphasized West Bengal's support to Odisha in various sectors, including agriculture, engineering support, and tourism. She also called for maintaining harmonious interstate relations and avoiding misunderstandings.

Key Points: Mamata Banerjee Counters Odisha's Jagannath Temple Timber Allegations

  • Banerjee refutes Neem wood theft allegations from Puri Temple
  • Claims wood brought by temple sevayat Ramkrishna Das
  • Highlights West Bengal's support to Odisha in various sectors
  • Calls for mutual understanding between states
2 min read

CM Banerjee refutes charges of timber from Puri's Jagannath Dham being used to carve deities in Digha temple

West Bengal CM dismisses Odisha's claims about Jagannath Temple wood, highlights interstate cooperation and cultural tensions

"Why are you so jealous? There is no medicine for jealousy - Mamata Banerjee"

Kolkata, May 5

West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, on Monday refuted allegations by the Odisha government of leftover timber meant for Puri’s Jagannath Dham Temple being used for carving deities in Jagannath Temple in Digha of East Midnapore district of West Bengal.

“They claimed that I had stolen Neem trees from there. There are four Neem trees at my house. Even idols of Lord Jagannath are being sold, which people keep and worship at their homes,” Chief Minister Banerjee said while addressing the media persons at Baharampur during her two-day visit to strife-hit Murshidabad district.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Banerjee said that the Neem wood over which controversies are arising was brought by Puri Jagannath temple sevayat Ramkrishna Das Mahapatra, also known as Rajesh Daitapati, who was present at the inauguration of the temple on April 30.

“He brought it from some other place. I heard that he had been summoned and questioned in Odisha. We all go to Puri. We do not raise so many questions. Why are you so jealous? There is no medicine for jealousy,” Chief Minister Banerjee stated.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister also reminded the Odisha government on how the latter is dependent on West Bengal on many aspects.

“Where is a shortage of potatoes in Odisha, we supply that. We send engineers from out state when pipelines in Odisha get damaged because of cyclones. The maximum number of tourists to Puri are from West Bengal. What is your problem if there is a Jagannath temple at Digha?” Chief Minister Banerjee questioned.

Speaking on the occasion, Banerjee said that she had received information that Bengali-speaking people are beaten up in Odisha these days.

“This had happened in the past in some other states as well. In West Bengal currently, there are around 1.5 crore people who are from other states. But we will not oppress anyone.

"This is the difference between West Bengal and other states. We will speak to the Odisha government. We do not want any misunderstanding with anybody,” Chief Minister Banerjee said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Why is this becoming such a big issue? If the sevayat himself brought the wood, what's the problem? We should focus on devotion rather than politics. Jai Jagannath! 🙏
A
Arjun M.
Didi's point about Bengali speakers facing issues in Odisha is concerning. We're one country - linguistic discrimination shouldn't exist. But her comparison with WB's treatment of outsiders seems a bit political.
S
Sneha R.
The way she listed all the help WB provides to Odisha... was that really necessary? This timber issue should be resolved amicably between temple authorities, not turned into state vs state matter.
R
Rahul B.
As someone who visits Puri every year, I don't see any problem in having another Jagannath temple in Digha. More temples mean more devotees can worship. The wood source should be properly verified though.
M
Meena S.
"No medicine for jealousy" - Didi's typical style! 😄 But seriously, temple matters should be handled with more sensitivity. The tone could have been more conciliatory.
K
Kunal P.
Both states need to sit together and resolve this. Puri Jagannath temple is sacred to all Hindus, not just Odias. Let's not make religious matters into political footballs.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50