Mamata Banerjee Lays Foundation of Mahakal Mahatirtha Temple in Siliguri Amid Rising BJP Activity in West Bengal
World’s Largest Mahakal Idol to Rise in Siliguri, West Bengal CM Confirms: Following the Maharashtra municipal elections, political activity in West Bengal has intensified, with the BJP gearing up for future contests. In response, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also stepped up her campaign efforts, focusing on consolidating Hindu votes in the state.
Today, Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone for the Mahakal Mahatirtha Temple in Siliguri, North Bengal, invoking Lord Shiva with chants of “Har Har Mahadev.” She announced plans to build the world’s tallest statue of Lord Shiva’s Mahakal avatar at the temple complex in Matigara, Siliguri.
“This 216-foot-tall structure will house a 108-foot bronze statue of Lord Shiva,” Mamata said. “Mahakal Mahatirtha will become one of the largest temple complexes dedicated to Lord Shiva globally. After completion in two years, it is expected to attract at least 100,000 devotees daily, making Siliguri a hub of religious tourism and boosting the North Bengal economy.”
The 17-acre complex, funded with ₹344 crore from the state treasury, will also include shrines for the twelve Jyotirlingas, a museum, and a convention center. Mamata Banerjee highlighted that the temple will significantly transform Siliguri’s fortunes.
Mamata’s efforts follow her earlier temple initiatives, including laying the foundation for the Durga Temple in Kolkata and constructing the Jagannath Temple in Digha. She emphasized her respect for all religions, criticizing the BJP for allegedly inciting communal tensions, targeting Muslims, and fostering anti-Bengali sentiments in other states.
Addressing recent incidents, Mamata raised concerns over the mistreatment of Bengali migrants, citing the violent unrest in Beldanga, Murshidabad. Protests erupted after the murder of Bengali laborer Alauddin Sheikh in Jharkhand, whose family alleged he was beaten to death because of his ethnicity. Residents blocked highways, pelted vehicles with stones, and disrupted trains in anger over his killing.
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