Certain Key issues surrounding Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri played a significant role in giving a big push to the victory march of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections held last year in Odisha. While Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was trying to take credit for the temple ‘parikrama’ project, BJP directly targeted it by raising the issue of the Ratna Bhandar key. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to state BJP leaders, opening the four doors of the 12th century shrine with the Ratna Bhandar key became the main issue during electioneering. Hailing Lord Jagannath as the soul of crores of Odias, BJP created a narrative that Jagannath culture was not safe in the hands of the BJD government. The issue of Srimandir also gave the BJP an electoral advantage. However, the question arises that how much has the problem regarding the temple been resolved in the last year?
Ratna Bhandar – what did they say and do?
During electioneering, Modi had directly targeted BJD over the Ratna Bhandar key. Stating that the key to the temple’s treasury could not be traced for six years, he had even claimed that the key had been taken to Tamil Nadu. Modi had said that the mystery over the missing key would be would be solved as soon as the BJP comes to power in the state. It also promised to make the investigation report public. However, after forming government, it informed the High Court that the report of the probe into the treasury key would not be made public. The Ratna Bhandar of the temple was opened, but the inventory work is yet to be completed. The government says the inventory would be done after the renovation and repair of the treasury chambers and silver cladding work.
Four doors opened but problem remains
As per its promise, the BJP government opened all four gates of Jagannath Temple immediately after assuming office. However, the problem faced by devotees having darshan inside the temple has not subsided. The difficulty that was there during the previous BJD government still persists. Four doors were opened for entry into the temple complex, but there is one door for having darshan of the deities inside the main shrine. Due to massive crowd, devotees have to jostle in order to have a glimpse of the Lords. Devotees continue to be unhappy because of poor crowd management inside the temple.
Lord Balabhadra Slipped – What about action?
BJP came to power in Odisha in the name of Shree Jagannath. However, a major mishap took place during the first Rath Yatra held after BJP formed government in the state. Lord Balbhadra’s idol fell from the chariot during Adapa Mandap Bije and hit the Charmal. Following widespread outrage among the Jagannath devotees over the incident, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) conducted an investigation. In the meantime, the report has been submitted to the Chief Administrator of SJTA. However, there is no information on whose negligence had led to the incident. The findings have not been made public and no action has been taken. One year has already elapsed but no action has been taken against those responsible for the mishap. Lack of action has raised questions about the government’s approach.
From opening the four gates to the creation of corpus fund of Rs 500 crore for the improvement of the temple, the Mohan Majhi government has taken prompt steps for the shrine. However, a lot more needs to be done.
