Bhubaneswar: With social media influencer Kamiya Jani’s entry into Puri Jagannath Temple becoming the latest flashpoint between BJP and BJD in Odisha, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said that care should be taken not to hurt the sentiments of Odias, even inadvertently.
“Lord Jagannath is the centre of faith for all Odias and Sanatanis. Therefore, nothing should be done to hurt the sentiments of people, knowingly or unknowingly. No one should play with Odias’ unwavering love, devotion and reverence for the Lord,” he told mediapersons outside Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar.
However, he refrained from making any direct reference to Jani.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh also took to X on Friday and criticised the ‘total disregard’ for the sanctity of the 12th-century shrine. “By facilitating entry of a beef promoter into the revered shrine, VK Pandian has shown utmost disregard to religion, history and spirituality,” he wrote while demanding immediate and serious action against those responsible.
While welcoming Dharmendra’s ‘a little delayed’ views on Odias and their emotional connect with Lord Jagannath, BJD’s Rajya Sabha member Manas Mangaraj again questioned the hypocrisy of his party men in Odisha over Jani ‘s promotional video on Srimandir Parikrama project. “The social media influencer was employed by the central government to promote the Hindu temple heritage and culture of the country. However, your party men in the state defamed her with fake videos and news for visiting Jagannath temple in Puri. When she can be appreciated for her videos on ‘Char Dham’ and Ayodhya Ram temple, what is the problem in her promoting Puri Heritage Corridor?” he asked.
He also hoped that Dharmendra would take action against state BJP leaders for playing with the emotions of people of Odisha through fake news.
Bureaucrat-turned-politician VK Pandian’s decision to host Jani, who goes by the social media handle Curly Tales, at Puri Jagannath Temple ran into a controversy with the opposition BJP accusing the latter of being a “beef eater and promoter” and demanding registration of a case against them under IPC Section 295 A for hurting religious sentiment of people.
“The sacred sanctity of Puri Srimandir, rich with historical and spiritual heritage, has been shamefully disregarded by VK Pandian, the chairman of 5T, who callously allowed a beef promoter into the revered premises of Jagannath Mandir. BJD remains indifferent to the sentiments of Odia and the sanctity of Jagannath Culture. Those responsible must face swift and severe consequences,” Odisha unit of BJP also posted on X.
While Pandian was not available for comment, BJD rubbished the allegations and accused the BJP of spreading lies. The ruling party also clarified that Jani had taken ‘Mahaprasad’ at Radha Ballav ‘Mutt’ (monastery) and no camera was allowed inside the temple premises. “Let Lord Jagannath bless the BJP leaders to overcome their narrow mindset,” a BJD statement said while accusing the saffron party of becoming intolerant over the development of the temple.
Meanwhile, Jani, in a statement, clarified that she has never eaten beef.
The video by Jani highlighted Jagannath culture and also featured Pandian speaking on the importance of ‘Mahaprasad’, the ongoing heritage corridor project and other aspects linked to temple development
However, the BJP continued its tirade against the state government and sought clarification on whether she entered the Srimandir. The saffron party also questioned the government on money spent on her visit to Puri. It also alleged that some people are trying to impose anti-Sanat mentality of Tamil Nadu’s Udayanath Stalin in Odisha.
