Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Mahaprasad’ move triggers row

Ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has allegedly launched a mass religious outreach by distributing ‘Prasad’ from Digha’s Jagannath temple across the State and terming it as Mahaprasad.

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The move has sparked both political controversy and religious backlash.

Does the move have any political motive?

In a bold pre-election move, CM of the neighbouring state has initiated a mass distribution of what is being called ‘Mahaprasad’ from the newly established Jagannath temple in Digha. The offering, mainly made of Peda and Gaja bhog prepared from Khua (condensed milk), is being sent to different households across all 23 districts of the state.

This initiative is being perceived as a strategic counter to the BJP’s Hindutva plank, as Mamata attempts to reshape her image. Political observers believe this is aimed at neutralising years of criticism and accusations regarding her religious stance.

The process began with a ritualistic Khua puja at the Digha temple on June 10. Around 300 kilograms of Khua, carried ceremoniously in golden-wrapped packets, was offered at the temple and later distributed through administrative channels—including district collectors, block development officers, and ration dealers—under the ‘Duare Ration’ campaign. The campaign will run until June 27, coinciding with the grand Rath Yatra festival.

However, the move has stirred serious objections from servitors of Jagannath Temple (the 12th Century Vaishnavite shrine) in Puri and devout followers of Jagannath culture. Critics argue that labelling Peda and Gaja made outside Puri as ‘Mahaprasad’ disrespects the sanctity of the term, which is reserved strictly for offerings from Puri Jagannath Temple.

The West Bengal BJP has sharply criticised Mamata’s strategy, calling it a political gimmick and accusing her of attempting to misappropriate Hindu religious sentiment for electoral gains. Religious scholars and the Sebayats (servitors) from Puri have appealed against such actions, terming them misleading and culturally offensive.

Mamata’s All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC), now in its third term, faces growing anti-incumbency. The BJP has vowed to dethrone her government in the upcoming election, making every political and symbolic move increasingly significant.

“It was seen at many places that local confectioners have got orders to prepare sweets (Peda and Gaja) and distribute them among residents through he ration system. How do the sweets prepared by confectioners become ‘Mahaprasad’?” West Bengal state BJP general secretary Umesh Roy questioned when contacted.

“She (Mamata) has been repeatedly doing this. Strong action should be taken with regard to this sensitive matter. Why are we sitting silent for so long? Why have we not yet resorted to the court of law seeking justice? She would call sweets as Mahaprasad. Have we become so blind?” secretary of Khuntia Nijog, Krushna Chandra Khuntia, said to OTV.

Reported By: Ajit Das, Partho Paul, Pradeep Mohanty