Govt., Opposition trade charges over Digha Jagannath temple prasad in West Bengal

Controversy erupts over distribution of prasad at Digha Jagannath temple, with Opposition alleging local sweets used as prasad.

A fresh controversy has erupted over the distribution of prasad (holy offering) at the newly constructed Jagannath temple at Digha, with Opposition parties alleging the West Bengal government was distributing “sweets from local shops” as ‘prasad’ of the temple.

The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, accused the West Bengal government of playing with the sentiments of Hindu devotees. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while inaugurating the temple in April 2025, had directed her government that prasad from the temple should be distributed across the State.

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In accordance with the Chief Minister’s directive, the District Magistrate distributes prasad through the ‘Duare Sarkar’ scheme of doorstep delivery of rations under the Public Distribution System.

“All District Magistrates were ordered to distribute prasad through Duare ration. The boxes of sweets being bought from the local sweet shop is basically demeaning Hindu dharma,” Mr. Adhikari said.

The BJP leader also said the State government had allocated ₹20 for a packet of prasad. He had nothing against the allocation of funds for the distribution of prasad, Mr. Adhikari said, but added that the way sweets from local shops were being distributed as prasad amounted to hurting religious sentiments.

The West Bengal government was quick to dismiss the allegations raised by the BJP leadership. State’s Minister for Information and Cultural Affairs Indranil Sen said the allegations made by the Leader of the Opposition were a “pack of lies”.