Odisha Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has written to Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple, asking for an internal investigation regarding three issues: naming the Digha Temple as 'Jagannath Dham', the involvement of Puri Temple sevayats in its consecration ceremony, and the use of "Daru Katha" for making the idol.

The minister observes that the actions taken may have hurt the feelings of Bhagwan Jagannath's followers and the people of Odisha. Recently, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, participated in the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the newly built Shri Jagannath Temple in Digha. CM Banerjee later revealed the first image of Lord Jagannath in the temple's sanctuary in a post on X. 

"A moment to be cherished forever. The first glimpse of Bhagwan Jagannath enshrined in the Garbhagriha of the Jagannath Temple in Digha will remain etched in my heart. I felt my spirit stir with the divine radiance emanating from the sacred idol. I had the privilege of performing the aarati and invoking the blessings of the Lord of the Universe upon our Ma, Mati, Manush," Banerjee posted on X. Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is trying to win the upcoming state Assembly elections by "climbing on the shoulders", of Bhagwan Jagannath — implying she is using religion for political gain. 

"Police did not reach Murshidabad for 4 hours, and because of this, Chandan and Hargobind Das were killed. On one side, you are killing Hindus, and on the other side, you are constructing temples. Constructing temples or mosques is not the job of the government. For the Ayodhya Ram temple, funds were raised by the people. For the Jagannath Temple in Digha, people should raise funds. Why does the state government have to get involved in this? Mamata Banerjee is trying to win the elections by climbing on the shoulders of Bhagwan Jagannath," Majumdar told reporters.