Chariot Warfare: Ahead Of 2026 Assembly Polls, Ratha Yatra Politics Gathers Pace In Bengal
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The BJP claims that the construction of the Digha temple and scale of the Ratha Yatra are politically motivated to counter the perception that the TMC caters primarily to Muslims
As West Bengal gears up for the 2026 assembly elections, the annual Ratha Yatra celebrations have taken on a distinctly political tone. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has travelled to Digha to inaugurate the Ratha Yatra festivities—the first time the coastal town is hosting the grand event. The CM has also made arrangements to send 'prasad" to all people of Bengal. This move has sparked political controversy, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party accusing her of using the festival to woo Hindu voters.
BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar alleged that Mamata Banerjee is trying to compete with the iconic Puri Ratha Yatra. 'Hindus in Bengal will not be interested in halal prasad," he said. Leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari has announced a separate Ratha Yatra event, where he plans to distribute prasad sourced directly from Puri, underscoring what he calls the 'authenticity" of the festival.
With elections approaching next year, the BJP claims that the construction of the temple in Digha and the scale of the Ratha Yatra are politically motivated, aimed at countering the perception that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) caters primarily to the Muslim community. BJP leaders have also criticised the TMC government's decision to distribute prasad to every household in Bengal, calling it a 'fake promise". They further allege that the sweets being distributed are halal-certified and that the funding for the initiative is being inappropriately sourced from HIDCO, an agency meant for infrastructure and urban development.
The TMC, however, has dismissed the allegations. 'I want to thank Smt Mamata Banerjee for the Jagannath Mandir," said party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. 'The BJP claims to be the custodian of Hindus, but Sukanta and Suvendu are ridiculing Jagannath Prabhu."
Mamata Banerjee herself has launched a campaign to promote the Ratha Yatra in Digha, signalling her intent to transform it into a major annual event.
Nandighosha (Chariot of Lord Jagannath): 16 wheels, decorated in red and yellow.
Taladhwaja (Chariot of Balaram): 14 wheels, adorned in red and blue.
Darpadalana (Chariot of Subhadra): 12 wheels, draped in red and black.
The charioteer of Lord Jagannath's rath is Daruka, and the pulling rope is known as Shankhachuda.
Several key ministers, dignitaries, and celebrities are expected to be present at the Digha Ratha Yatra, highlighting the event's growing prominence. What was once a spiritual and cultural celebration is now emerging as a new battleground in Bengal's charged political landscape.
First Published:
June 25, 2025, 18:35 IST
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