West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her criticism against BJP-governed states, particularly Odisha, over the ongoing Digha Jagannath temple controversy and alleged attacks on Bengali-speaking people.
Speaking at a public event, Banerjee questioned Odisha’s stance, stating, “Why so much jealousy? We all visit Puri, and we do not ask so many questions. Why is this bothering them so much?” She accused Odisha of issuing a notification discouraging visits to the newly inaugurated Digha Jagannath temple, which she inaugurated last week.
Banerjee also dismissed allegations that sacred neem wood from Puri’s Jagannath temple was used for crafting idols in Digha, calling the claims “baseless”. She remarked, “Are you trying to say that I stole neem wood for Jagannath Dham? I have four neem trees in my backyard. Ask them how many they need.”
Additionally, Banerjee condemned reports of harassment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in Odisha, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, stating, “You are attacking our people for speaking Bengali, but we will not do the same. That is the difference between you and me.”
She further emphasized Bengal’s contributions to Odisha, highlighting that Bengal supplies potatoes when Odisha faces shortages and sends engineers during cyclone-related crises.
