A heated dispute has erupted between the states of Odisha and West Bengal over the naming of a newly inaugurated Jagannath temple in Digha as “Jagannath Dham.” The controversy is escalating, with Odisha threatening legal action and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly defending the project.
Odisha argues that the term “Jagannath Dham” is exclusively reserved for the sacred 12th-century shrine in Puri. Puri’s titular king, Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb, has asserted this claim, citing scriptures and the opinion of Muktimundupa Pundita Sabha. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan emphasized that “Dham” is reserved for four holy pilgrimage sites, including Jagannath Puri, and announced plans to introduce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to regulate Jagannath temples outside Puri. He also criticized the naming of the Digha beach as Mahodadhi.
Mamata Banerjee has countered these claims, questioning the outrage and reminding Odisha of West Bengal’s support and the large number of Bengali tourists visiting Puri. She accused Odisha of “jealousy” and discrimination against Bengalis. Banerjee also mentioned her government’s efforts to resolve the issue through communication with Odisha, Bihar, and Rajasthan. Furthermore, she alleged that BJP-ruled states are targeting Bengali speakers.
The controversy has sparked significant backlash on social media, with hashtags like #BoycottPuri and #BoycottOdisha trending. The situation remains tense, with both states firmly standing their ground.