Bhubaneswar: No force can pose any threat to democracy in India as it has its origin in Jagannath Dham Puri of Odisha, said MP Sambit Patra.
Speaking on President’s address in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Patra said, “I am from Jagannath Puri and will start my speech by proudly saying Jai Jagannath. I must say that democracy was born in Puri and will prove it from scientific point of view.”
Stating that democracy was in vogue during historical Kalinga (present Odisha), he said Lord Jagannath was considered its ruler at the time and is worshipped as ruler of the entire universe even today. Puri king is his representative ruler.
“Lord Jagannath comes out of his grand abode and meets the common people once every year. Because, he wants to go to the doorsteps of the people who are unable to come inside the temple and meet Him. It is democracy in true sense and we celebrate is as Rath Yatra every year,” Patra said.
Claiming that Rath Yatra also signifies a great uniting social event, the BJP MP said, “On the day of Rath Yatra, Puri king himself sweeps the floor of the chariots of the Lords with a broom like a sanitation worker. It symbolises a classless society. That is why there is no caste discrimination in Odisha even today.”
“As long as Lord Jagannath remains seated on his Ratna Singhashan (grand throne) in the temple, democratic rule will continue to flourish in our country. No individual or power can pose any threat to democracy so long as Jagannath is worshipped by His devotees,” said the MP from Puri.