Mamata's Temple Trail: Blunting BJP's Hindutva Edge for 2026?

• West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is initiating multiple temple projects, including Jagannath in Digha, Durga in Kolkata, and Mahakal in Siliguri.
• This move is seen as "Mamata Banerjee 2.0" and a strategic shift towards "soft Hindutva" ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
• TMC aims to counter BJP's "minority appeasement" narrative and reclaim Hindu votes, while also boosting religious tourism.
• Mamata defends her actions as secularism, stating she believes in peaceful coexistence of all religions.
• BJP finds itself in an "awkward bind," unable to oppose temple construction but seeing its Hindutva narrative diluted; Left criticizes it as diversion from governance issues.

Why It Matters: Mamata's temple push is a calculated political move to counter BJP's Hindutva and consolidate votes.