‘The West Bengal government has reportedly reinstated the “Jagannath Dham” signage at the newly constructed Jagannath temple in Digha, late on Monday night, after briefly removing it due to backlash from Odisha and sections of the public.
Earlier, the signage was taken down amid Strong protests from Odisha, where the original and sacred Jagannath Dham is located in Puri and Political opposition, with BJP and Hindu groups alleging cultural appropriation.
Warnings from the Odisha government, which claimed potential legal action against the unauthorized use of the sacred title “Jagannath Dham”.
Despite previous removal, police in East Medinipur confirmed that the plaque is currently in place outside the Digha temple, suggesting either reinstallation or non-removal.
Amit Malviya (BJP IT Cell head) claimed earlier that the removal of the signage was a “victory for Hindu unity” and a “defeat for Mamata Banerjee’s divisive politics.”
The Odisha government has not yet commented on the reinstatement of the signage.
The term “Jagannath Dham” is deeply rooted in Odia culture and religious identity, referring exclusively to Puri, one of the Char Dhams in Hinduism.
The use of this title for Digha—a newly built temple—has been seen as an infringement on Odisha’s religious heritage, possibly stoking regional tensions.