Ratha Yatra Takes Center Stage in Bengal’s Political Landscape

The vibrant and culturally significant Ratha Yatra is taking on a new dimension in West Bengal as the 2026 Assembly elections draw closer. The festival, traditionally a celebration of Hindu faith, is now at the heart of a growing political debate.

BJP Accuses TMC of Political Maneuvering

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claims that the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the ruling party in West Bengal, is leveraging both the construction of the Digha temple and the scale of the Ratha Yatra for political gain. The BJP alleges that the TMC’s strategy is aimed at countering perceptions that its policies favor the Muslim community and appealing to Hindu voters ahead of the crucial elections.

Temple Construction and Ratha Yatra Fuel Political Discourse

The scale and prominence given to these religious events are being viewed through a political lens. The BJP argues that the TMC is attempting to shift public perception and broaden its appeal among different religious groups in the state. This strategic move is likely to intensify the political discourse in the coming months as the election campaign gains momentum.