CM Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone of Mahakal Mahatirtha Temple in Siliguri, a major step before the elections.:She said, I also do auspicious work according to the calendar and date.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone for the "Mahakal Mahatirtha Temple" in Siliguri on Friday. Announcing it as the country's largest Mahakal temple, Banerjee, while expressing her faith in Hindu customs and classical rituals, also took a dig at the BJP without naming it.

Before the elections, she launched the second major temple construction project in Bengal, trying to send a message to Hindu voters. Mamata Banerjee said, “No one should think I don't look at the calendar or the date. The auspicious time was after 4:15 pm, so I came accordingly.”

She stated that she fully respects Hindu customs and classical time. Earlier last month, she inaugurated the construction of a grand Durga Temple in Kolkata. This Mahakal Mahatirtha Temple, consisting of 12 separate temples in the shape of the 12 Jyotirlingas, will be built on approximately 17.41 acres of land.

Its main attraction will be a massive 216-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva. The complex will house 12 separate temples, each housing 12 Shivalingas, corresponding to the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. The pilgrimage site will be able to accommodate 100,000 devotees.

Apart from this, an international level convention centre will also be built here, which will promote religious tourism. The government has allocated a budget of Rs 344 crore for this project, which is the largest amount so far for any temple complex in the state.

Mamata Banerjee announced the launch of this project in Siliguri, drawing inspiration from the Mahakal Temple in the Darjeeling hills. The goal is to complete construction within two and a half years.