West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari declared on Monday, July 13, 2026, that his government will provide ₹5 lakh each to 60 Rath Yatra committees across the state. This announcement was part of a broader set of initiatives aimed at enhancing religious welfare and support for pilgrimages.
During his announcement, Mr. Adhikari mentioned, “The Rath Yatras, which have been part of our culture for decades, will benefit from this financial aid. If there are any mistakes in the list of committees this year, we ask for forgiveness and will ensure that the list is error-free in subsequent years.”
Additionally, the Kanwar yatris embarking on their sacred journey during the monsoon (Sravan) season will benefit from Seva camps set up every 5 kilometers along their route. “We are investing ₹15 crores in developments at the Tarakeshwar Dham,” he stated, adding that there will be three types of camps: police assistance, refreshments, and medical services.
Investment in Religious Sites
The Chief Minister highlighted that this year’s state budget includes provisions for a Tirtha Khetra Circuit, aimed at upgrading historic temples and spiritual centers throughout the state. Noteworthy sites include the Kiriteswari Shaktipeeth Temple located in the Murshidabad district.
“We are committed to reviving ancient temples with significant heritage and history and bringing them under a conservation initiative,” Mr. Adhikari emphasized. He affirmed that the work would span the next two years, with a substantial allocation of ₹1,000 crore already approved in 2026 for these endeavors.
Political Context and Criticism
Notably, Mr. Adhikari has previously criticized the Trinamool Congress government for its decision to allocate funds to over 45,000 Durga Puja committees while leaving the Dearness Allowance dues for state employees unmet. Senior BJP leader Agnimitra Paul had characterized the previous administration’s funding to Durga Puja committees as indicative of a “politics of religion” and accused them of neglecting developmental needs.
In a shift noted in June 2026, Mr. Adhikari suggested that while financial support for Durga Pujas may persist, larger budgets might not receive the same financial backing, with the distribution of funds shifting towards a more need-based approach.
