BJP MP Raju Bista slams Bengal government for using PDS to distribute Jagannath prasad
Criticising what he described as "tokenism," Bista claimed the use of state machinery to distribute prasad is an attempt to divert attention from past incidents and appease public sentiment.
LOCAL
BJP MP from Darjeeling and national spokesperson Raju Bista has sharply criticised the West Bengal Government for allegedly using the Public Distribution System (PDS) to distribute prasad from the recently inaugurated Jagannath Mandir in Digha. In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, Bista accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of exploiting religious sentiments for political gain.
According to Bista, ration dealers across parts of West Bengal have reportedly been instructed to hand over prasad to PDS beneficiaries along with their food grain entitlements. He stated that while the sanctity of prasad is deeply respected, the use of state-run welfare infrastructure for its distribution marks an "unacceptable politicisation" of a sacred tradition.
“This is not an act of devotion, but a calculated attempt to use people's faith to score political points,” said Bista, directly accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of orchestrating the move to bolster her image ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.
The Jagannath temple in Digha was inaugurated recently by Mamata Banerjee in a high-profile ceremony. Since then, according to Bista, the state government has been allegedly distributing prasad from the temple using government food distribution channels; a claim the TMC has yet to respond to formally.
Bista further alleged that this recent action is in stark contrast to the government’s historical attitude towards Hindu religious concerns. “From Sandeshkhali to Chopra, Murshidabad to Malda, Hindus have faced attacks and marginalisation under TMC’s rule,” he said. He pointed to recent developments in Murshidabad, where a court-monitored investigation allegedly uncovered the involvement of TMC leaders in communal violence against Hindus.
Criticising what he described as "tokenism," Bista claimed the use of state machinery to distribute prasad is an attempt to divert attention from past incidents and appease public sentiment. “The same government that has ignored or even suppressed Hindu religious concerns is now using Jagannath prasad to whitewash its track record,” he said.
He also questioned the appropriateness of using the PDS; a welfare scheme meant to ensure food security for the distribution of religious offerings. “Religion is a matter of faith, not a tool for politics. Misusing public welfare schemes for religious messaging undermines both governance and spiritual values,” Bista said.
The MP urged the people of West Bengal, especially Hindus, to remain alert and see through what he termed as "dangerous politicisation" of religious beliefs. “This is not about prasad or temples. It’s about the systematic exploitation of faith to divert from failures and unrest,” he said.