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Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Opinion Jagannath temple in West Bengal is TMC's response to BJP's Hindutva
The construction and inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in West Bengal's Digha transcends a mere religious ceremony. It marks a significant political manoeuvre, weaving together threads of regional identity, cultural assertion, and electoral strategy. Situated on the coast, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this temple, a replica of the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, carries a weight far beyond its architectural grandeur. It serves as a potent symbol within the complex political landscape of West Bengal, particularly in the context of its relationship with its neighbouring states and the broader national narrative. To fully understand the significance of choosing the Jagannath cult as an alternative to the attempted unifying cult of Ram, it is crucial to understand the politico-religious background of the move. There is a broad consensus that the origin of Jagannath is connected to the Sabara tribe. The early form of Jagannath is believed to have been a wooden log, reflecting tribal forms of worship. This connection is supported by the continued involvement of the Daitapati servitors (who have tribal origins) in the rituals of the Jagannath Temple, especially during the Navakalevara (the ritualistic renewal of the deities' wooden forms). The development of the Jagannath cult is a classic anthropological example of the universalisation of a little tradition. Such a bottom-up move of the cult involves a degree of syncretism with various major religious traditions. Saivism, Saktism, Vaishnavism, Jainism and Buddhism have been assimilated into this cult. It was also deeply influenced by the Bengal-origin Chaitanya's Bhakti movement. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's relationship with Lord Jagannath was a transformative one, marked by intense devotion, ecstatic expression, and profound philosophical insights. He revitalised the Jagannath cult, emphasising its devotional aspects and making it more accessible to people from all walks of life. His legacy continues to shape the spiritual and cultural landscape of Odisha and beyond. Furthermore, the cult of Jagannath received significant patronage from various royal dynasties, including the Ganga dynasty. The construction of the magnificent Jagannath Temple in Puri in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva solidified Jagannath's stature as a major deity. This all-encompassing nature of religious tradition has a deeper cultural significance. Jagannath is not merely a deity but the cornerstone of Odia cultural identity. He is considered the state deity, and the Jagannath Temple is the epicentre of Odisha's religious, social, and cultural life. The cult of Jagannath profoundly shapes Odia art, architecture, literature, and performing arts. The most conspicuous manifestation is to be found in the dance form Odissi, Pattachitra, and literature, including the works of the Pancha Sakha (five poet-saints of Odisha). Clearly, the Jagannath cult, particularly through the influence of Shri Chaitanya, has significantly impacted Bengali tradition. Chaitanya's emphasis on kirtan and bhakti became deeply ingrained in Bengali religious practices. The Ratha Yatra is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bengal, and many Bengali devotional songs and art forms are inspired by Jagannath and the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The cult is significantly institutionalised with the rapid development of ISKCON. Apart from that, Puri has been a staple visit for many Bengali families, part of the 'Di-Pu-Da', namely Digha, Puri and Darjeeling. The spread of the Jagannath cult — from savouring sweet Gaja to the logo of Jagannath's face printed on t-shirts and car windshields — has been powerful. In Bengal, it is much older and organic than the later cultural iconisation of Ram and the angry Hanuman face that the Hindutva fold has been trying to install in Bengal. The choice of Jagannath, a deity deeply revered in Odisha and with a growing following in West Bengal, is therefore strategic. It taps into the shared cultural heritage of the two states, a heritage often overshadowed by political rivalries. The building of the temple is a clear attempt to forge a cultural bridge, appealing to the significant Odia-speaking population residing in the southern districts of West Bengal, as well as the Bengali population who have a deep reverence for Lord Jagannath. It's a move that aims to cultivate a sense of shared belonging and foster a regional identity that transcends state borders. Politically, this needs to be seen as a counter-narrative to the rising tide of nationalistic Hindutva in West Bengal that peaks around Ram Navami. While the BJP has sought to consolidate Hindu votes under a pan-India umbrella, Mamata Banerjee 's Trinamool Congress (TMC) is strategically emphasising regional deities and cultural symbols, thus asserting a distinct Bengali Hindu identity. This approach allows the TMC to engage with the Hindu electorate while simultaneously distancing itself from the BJP's brand of Hindutva. The state BJP, as it appears, didn't have much strong response to this. They criticised the involvement of Firhad Hakim, chairperson of the WBHIDCO (West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation), in the construction of the temple, due to his religious identity. However, as this didn't offer much political gain, the Leader of the Opposition, Subhendu Adhikari, whose district is housing the Jagannath Temple, announced a Sanatani assemblage on the same date. This is a desperate attempt by the Opposition in Bengal to capture public attention amidst the grandeur of the temple's inauguration. Just ahead of the assembly elections, and amidst the BJP's intensive projection of TMC as a 'Muslim appeaser', the construction of the Jagannath temple is a well-thought-out response. It's a political statement, a cultural symbol, and a strategic manoeuvre designed to consolidate political power and cultivate a distinct regional identity.
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Mano Thangaraj re-inducted into Cabinet as Milk and Dairy Development Minister
DMK's Padmanabhapuram MLA T. Mano Thangaraj was sworn in as a State Minister and re-inducted into Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's Cabinet by Governor R.N. Ravi, who administered the oath of office at Raj Bhavan on Monday. Mr. Thangaraj will take over as Minister of Milk and Dairy Development, which was earlier held by R.S. Rajakannappan, who now holds the Forest and Khadi portfolio, earlier held by K. Ponmudy. Mr. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Water Resources Minister R. Duraimurugan, Minister for Municipal Administration K.N. Nehru, Minister for Rural Development I. Periyasamy, Minister for Public Works E.V. Velu, Congress' Assembly Floor Leader S. Rajesh Kumar, and Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam were present. The swearing-in was also significant for the fact that Mr. Stalin and Mr. Ravi were meeting each other for the first time since the Supreme Court verdict, which held that the latter's decision to withhold assent for 10 Bills was 'unconstitutional', prompting the DMK to claim a major victory against the Governor. Both leaders exchanged pleasantries. Reason for reshuffle The Chief Minister reshuffled his Cabinet after Mr. Ponmudy and State Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise V. Senthilbalaji resigned on Sunday. While the Madras High Court had held that Mr. Ponmudy had made derogatory remarks regarding Saivism and Vaishnavism, the Supreme Court had made it clear that Mr. Senthibalaji had to choose between Minister's post and his freedom. Mr. Thangaraj previously held the Information Technology portfolio, which is now being held by Mr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan.
New Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Madras High Court seeks TN govt response on PIL seeking Minister Ponmudy's disqualification
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the state government to file a counter-affidavit to the public interest litigation petition praying for disqualification of Minister for Forests K Ponmudy for violating the oath of office by making derogatory speech against Saivism, Vaishnavism and women. The direction was issued by the first bench of Chief Justice KR Shriram and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq when the PIL filed by advocate B Jaganath came up for hearing. Advocate General PS Raman told the court that objectionable comments were made against the chief minister who was not a party to the petition and wanted the court to order removal such portions. Accordingly, the bench directed the petitioner to remove such portions. It granted time till June 5 for the government to file the counter-affidavit and posted the matter to June 19 for hearing. The petition also prayed for the court to declare the speech made by Ponmudy on April 8 patently in violation of the Articles 188 and 99 and the oath of office and various other provisions of the Constitution.
New Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Madras HC orders case against TN minister Ponmudy over alleged hate speech
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Wednesday ordered initiation of a suo motu case against Minister for Forests K Ponmudy for his alleged derogatory speech against Saivism, Vaishnavism and women. Justice N Anand Venkatesh slammed the state police for 'staying motionless' for not taking action against the minister even after the court had directed the department to do so. Finding the minister's speech 'prima facie a hate speech', Justice Venkatesh issued the orders to initiate the suo motu case. He directed the registry to register the case and place it before the Chief Justice for further action. Justice Venkatesh said the comments made by Ponmudy are 'completely derogatory' of women and 'deliberately spew' venom on Saivism and Vaishnavism and wounds the religious sentiments of people of these two sects. Citing the Supreme Court's orders on hate speech and registration of automatic FIR against persons who make such speeches, the judge said police have to follow the orders of the apex court because there would be 'zero tolerance' towards hate counsel P Wilson, representing TN police, told the court that a preliminary inquiry was held on two complaints and were closed after finding that no prima facie case was made out while two petitions filed in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court were disposed of for want of materials. Vikas Singh, another senior counsel representing Ponmudy, submitted that only a truncated version of the speech, which was delivered in a closed door meeting, was circulated and the minister was only recollecting what was spoken 40 years ago. On April 17, Justice Venkatesh issued an ultimatum to the police to register a case by April 23 and warned of taking up suo contempt of court case if the department failed to act.
India Today
23-04-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Madras High Court registers suo motu case against DMK Minister over vulgar joke
The Madras High Court on Wednesday registered a suo motu case against Tamil Nadu Forest Minister and senior DMK leader K Ponmudy over his controversial speech allegedly targeting Saivites, Vaishnavites, and the previous hearing last Thursday, Justice N Anand Venkatesh had observed the Minister's speech 'prima facie appeared to be hate speech.''These comments, on the face of it, are completely derogatory of women, and deliberately spews venom on the two main sects of Hinduism - Vaishnavism and Saivism. Apart from being obscene, the speech also wounds the religious feelings of the Vaishnavites and Saivites,' the court said, as reported by Live Since the state failed to file an FIR against the minister by April 23, as directed by Justice Venkatesh in the previous hearing, the court took up suo motu cognisance and proceeded to initiate a case on its case stems from a recent speech by Ponmudy at a public event, where he narrated a joke equating Hindu religious identities with sexual positions. The speech sparked public outrage and led to a PIL seeking the earlier hearing, Justice Venkatesh had stated, 'There is no escape from this... Law is for everybody,' stressing that the same standards must apply to ministers as they do to others accused of hate Watch IN THIS STORY#Tamil Nadu
