CM Suvendu joins Rath Yatra in Kolkata; several BJP leaders join festivities
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP leaders participated in Rath Yatra festivities across the state, emphasizing the government's support for the religious event. During the celebrations, Adhikari announced that ISKCON would take over the management of mid-day meals in Kolkata schools to improve nutrition and reduce corruption.
Why it matters
The event highlights the intersection of religious festivals and state policy in West Bengal, particularly regarding the controversial shift in mid-day meal management and the political competition over cultural patronage.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday (July 16) participated in Rath Yatra festivities. Several other top Bharatiya Janta Party leaders also joined the festival across the State.
Mr. Adhikari joined the ISKCON devotees in Kolkata’s Albert Road to mark the 55th annual Rath Yatra celebrations of the organisation. He also joined the devotees to pull the rope of the Jagannath chariot, which is a celebrated ritual of the religious event.
Later in the day he also participated in Rath Yatra celebrations in Tamluk and Mecheda in Purba Medinipur district. Mr Adhikari said from the festival in Tamluk that his participation in the temple’s festival has nothing to do with his political ideology, path, or any positions he holds, and attends as a devotee.
“I am grateful to inaugurate the ISKCON Rath Yatra in Kolkata which lakhs of devotees wait for,” Mr. Adhikari said.
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