With State elections little less than six months away and under severe attack from the Opposition BJP for appeasing the Muslims and undermining the interests of the Hindus in the State, the Bengal Chief Minister on Monday announced the construction of yet another “grand temple”, this time in North Bengal.
The temple will be dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Banerjee Government earlier constructed a grand Jagannath Temple at the beach town of Digha resembling the ancient one at Jagannath Puri.
The Chief Minister, who had announced the construction of Mahakaal Temple in October this year, said that a trust led by the State Chief Secretary and some priests and journalists had already been formed and land had been earmarked for the purpose. “This will be a grand Mahakaal Temple,” the biggest dedicated to Lord Shiva, Banerjee said.
Banerjee also announced the construction of a dedicated cricket stadium after India women’s team wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, who incidentally hails from Siliguri. The stadium will be constructed near the Chandmoni tea estate in the terrain area of North Bengal, Banerjee said, adding, “This stadium will inspire thousands of young girls.” A 27-acre plot had been earmarked for the stadium. Ghosh was conferred the ‘Banga Bhushan’ award, appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and presented a gold chain by the West Bengal government.
