With just days to go for the grand opening of the Digha Jagannath Temple on April 30, excitement in the coastal town is palpable. This dream project of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to draw thousands of devotees. To ease travel, the state government had requested special trains, and South Eastern Railway announced two services—one from Howrah to Digha and another from Panskura to Digha. But on Sunday, these trains were abruptly cancelled, leaving devotees stranded. Railways cited a “shortage of coaches” and “operational issues,” but TMC Minister Arup Roy called it “a political conspiracy by the Centre to undermine Bengal’s spiritual moment.”

The special trains, meant to run from April 26 to May 4, were scheduled to depart Howrah at 1:10 PM, reaching Digha by 5:35 PM, and Panskura at 4:45 AM. On Sunday, passengers at Howrah and Panskura stations were stunned to learn of the cancellations. “We planned our pilgrimage months ago, and now we’re stuck,” said an irate devotee, Mira Das. While regular trains like Kandari and Tamralipta Express will operate, they’re unlikely to handle the expected rush, raising concerns about overcrowding. The sudden decision, without prior notice, has fueled suspicions of political motives.

Analysts see this as a flashpoint in Bengal’s charged political landscape. TMC MLA Uttam Barik posted on social media, “The Centre envies Bengal’s Hindu unity.” The BJP, however, dismissed the allegations, stating, “Operational constraints are routine.” As the Digha Jagannath Temple opening promises to be a historic event, this controversy risks dampening devotees’ enthusiasm. The administration has promised alternative arrangements, but with time running short, the faithful await clarity.