West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asserted that the Rath Yatra in the coastal town of Digha is purely a religious event with "nothing to do with politics." This statement comes as the state gears up for the annual festival, with Banerjee personally overseeing preparations at the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha.
On Thursday, Banerjee held a high-level meeting with officials from the Digha Shankarpur Development Authority (DSDA), police, and ISKCON monks to ensure the smooth execution of the Rath Yatra. Following the meeting, she inspected the three ceremonial chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, which were stationed near the temple. She also reviewed the 1 km yatra route with DSDA officials and police personnel, emphasizing the need for a seamless and people-friendly procession. "Follow this route. Everything has to be smooth and helpful for the people," she instructed Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar, accompanied by Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya and other dignitaries.
To manage the expected crowds and ensure safety, Banerjee announced that barricades would be erected on both sides of the road where the chariots will be pulled to their 'Masir Bari' (maternal aunt's home), located approximately 0.75 kilometers from the Jagannath temple. "Barricades are being erected on both sides of the road to avoid the possibility of a stampede. People will be able to see the chariots from there. Ropes of the chariots will also be attached to the barricades, giving opportunities to the people standing on both sides of the barricades to touch the ropes," she added.
The Rath Yatra is scheduled to begin at 2:30 pm on Friday from the Jagannath temple and is expected to conclude by 4:30 pm. Banerjee emphasized that the chariots would make several stops along the way, allowing ample opportunity for the public to view them. "This is the first time that the Rath Yatra is being held in Digha. So, we want to be careful. The chariots will stop for some time on several occasions on their way, ensuring that common people are able to see. We want to ensure a peaceful Rath Yatra," she stated.
The seaside resort town of Digha has been adorned with temple-themed cutouts, giant images of deities, and illuminations designed by artists from Chandernagore in preparation for the celebrations. Saffron flags featuring Lord Jagannath and banners reading 'Welcome to Jagannath Dham' lined the entire 180 km stretch of national highway from Kolkata to the town. Devotional songs invoking Lord Jagannath played continuously over the public address system, creating a spiritual atmosphere.
ISKCON vice-president Radharamn Das said that around 30 lakh people have already visited the temple since its inauguration on April 30, and lakhs are expected to turn up on Rath Yatra day. The CM will take part in pulling the ropes of the chariot on June 27, Das said.
However, the Chief Minister's participation in the Rath Yatra has drawn criticism from opposition leaders. Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition, accused Banerjee of attempting to portray herself as a "true Hindu" through the Digha Jagannath Temple event. Adhikari asserted the BJP's dominance in East Midnapore in the 2026 elections, while Kolkata prepares for ISKCON's Rathayatra with a theme of peace and innovative chariot upgrades. He pointed out that he would participate in multiple Rath Yatras in Kolkata and East Midnapore's Mecheda.
Despite the political undertones, the administration is focused on ensuring a safe and peaceful Rath Yatra for all devotees.
