Controversy Erupts Over Rs 42 Crore Spent on 'Sacred Prasad' in West Bengal

BJP Raises Concerns Over State Spending

Kolkata: A prominent member of the BJP in West Bengal has criticized the state government for allocating Rs 42 crore from its limited budget for the distribution of sweets labeled as 'sacred Prasad' from the Digha Jagannath Temple.

The Digha Jagannath Temple is said to be inspired by the renowned Shree Jagannath Dham Temple located in Puri, Odisha.

BJP's state general secretary, Jagannath Chattopadhyay, shared a video addressing the media, raising two main issues regarding this expenditure. Firstly, he pointed out that such a lavish spending is inappropriate given the state's financial struggles, which include difficulties in meeting essential expenses.

Chattopadhyay noted that Rs 32 crore has already been allocated to various district magistrates and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, with an additional Rs 10 crore instructed to be disbursed from the state treasury. He highlighted that the government is unable to provide dearness allowances to its employees and is facing uncertainty regarding school job placements. Recently, the state borrowed Rs 4,000 crore from the market, making the Rs 42 crore spent on sweets seem excessive.

Secondly, he questioned why the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO), responsible for housing development, is funding the distribution of these sweets. He alleged that this expenditure was mandated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, leading WBHIDCO to reallocate funds from other projects.

Earlier this week, Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP's IT cell and central observer for West Bengal, accused the state government of allowing non-Hindus to prepare and distribute the sweets labeled as 'sacred Prasad' from the Digha temple.

Malviya emphasized that traditionally, non-Hindus are prohibited from entering the Shree Jagannath Dham Temple in Puri, a practice that upholds the sanctity of Lord Jagannath and his traditions.

He expressed that in Mamata Banerjee's West Bengal, 'prasad' intended for Lord Jagannath's devotees is being sourced from shops owned by individuals who do not adhere to the faith, which he deemed as an affront to Hindu beliefs.

Malviya concluded by stating that the actions of the administration have deeply offended Hindus and devotees of Lord Jagannath.