Jagannath Devotees Up In Arms Over Oswasi’s Controversial Statement On Srimandir

Puri: With a day to go for Snana Yatra of the sibling deities, the Pilgrim Town of Puri on Monday saw protests over AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi’s controversial statement on Jagannath Temple.

Addressing a rally in Maharashtra’s Bhiwandi last month, the Hyderabad MP quoted Swami Vivekananda and said Srimandir was built on a Buddhist worship site.

Opposing his statement and calling for strict action against the MP, Jagannath Sena and Yuva Adhivakta Sangh have lodged a complaint with Singhadwar Police. They alleged that Owaisi had hurt the sentiment of Jagannath devotees with his remarks despite having little knowledge about the history of the 12th-century shrine. His statement can also create unnecessary tension among different communities, they added.

“Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi is a vicious person. He wants people to indulge in a confrontation over religion,” Jagannath Sena convener Priyadarshan Pattnaik told the media.

Demanding his immediate arrest, the organisations have threatened to intensify the stir if no action is taken against the MP.