CM Mamata denies neem theft allegations, offers her own trees for Jagannath temple use | Watch

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has denied allegations that neem wood used in crafting idols for the newly built Jagannath Temple in Digha was stolen from leftover materials originally intended for the Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha. The controversy emerged around claims that portions of neem wood, reportedly used in the Nabakalebara ritual for creating new idols in Puri, were taken for use in the Digha temple. Responding to this, Banerjee stated, “We are being accused of stealing neem wood. I have four neem trees in the courtyard of my house. My time hasn’t become so bad that I need to steal neem wood.”

Banerjee clarified that the wood used in the Digha temple was brought by Rajesh Daitapati, a sevayat (priest) associated with the Puri Jagannath Temple. According to her, the wood did not originate from the Puri temple premises. Rajesh Daitapati had also taken an active role during the inauguration of the Digha Jagannath Temple. Following his involvement, the Odisha government issued a showcause notice to Daitapati, seeking an explanation regarding the source of the wood used in the Digha idols. The showcause notice indicates official concern from Odisha authorities over the origin and movement of neem wood linked to the revered rituals of the Puri temple.

Criticising the Odisha government’s actions, Banerjee remarked, “I’ve heard Rajesh Daitapati is being summoned and questioned.” She further stated that a large number of people from West Bengal visit Puri regularly, yet the Bengal government has never raised questions about that. “We never question them. So why is there so much trouble just because we built a Jagannath temple in Digha?” she said. Banerjee claimed that jealousy over the Digha temple’s construction may be the reason behind the current scrutiny.