Mamata announces plan to build grand Mahakal Mandir in Siliguri

Banerjee said that land for the temple will be provided by the state government. According to sources, the plot will be located beside the proposed convention centre in Siliguri.

Following Banerjee’s announcement and subsequent cabinet approval earlier this month, the state government has also begun formal procedures to set up ‘Durga Angan’, a temple-like complex dedicated to Goddess Durga. A plot has been identified in New Town, with an estimated project cost of around Rs 262 crore.

Sources from the state secretariat said that a site opposite Eco Park, near the Westin Hotel in New Town, has been shortlisted for the complex due to its proximity to the airport, metro stations, and other tourist attractions. The West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO) has been entrusted with the project, and the process to appoint a construction agency is underway.

Banerjee travelled to North Bengal on Sunday to monitor flood-hit areas and oversee relief operations. She will stay in Darjeeling on Thursday and return to Kolkata on Friday to begin inaugurations of Kali Puja celebrations across the city.

Meanwhile, former Kolkata Mayor Sovan Chatterjee and his associate Baishakhi Banerjee met Mamata Banerjee in Darjeeling. Sources said they also held discussions at Richmond Hill about the state’s current political situation.

A senior TMC leader said, “Sovan Chatterjee already had a meeting with Abhishek Banerjee, and now he and Baishakhi sat with Mamata Banerjee. We are expecting he will again join TMC before the coming Assembly election.”

He added, “Sovan da has already expressed his desire to work in the 2026 Assembly election. He may also contest in the coming election.”