Odisha: BJD, BJP Engage In Political Slugfest Over Centre’s Objection To Lingaraj Temple Ordinance

Bhubaneswar: With BJP raising strong objection to Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor in Puri in violation of ASI norms and state government’s ordinance to bring Lingaraj Temple and its eight associated shrines in Bhubaneswar under a special law, a political slugfest has ensued between ruling BJD and the saffron party.

The Home Ministry, in a letter to Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, has sought clarification on the ordinance the ordinance to cover 12 Centrally-protected monuments, including the Lingaraj Temple and three tanks. The Centre is of the opinion that it is outside the “legislative competence” of the state legislature and could lead to conflict with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act), the letter stated.

Accusing the BJP-led Central government of playing foul, Ekamra MLA and Minister Ashok Panda questioned the motive of the Centre in issuing the letter. Stating that the State government has clarified on the ordinance to the Centre twice, he said, “If the Centre had any doubt about it, it could have asked the state again and we would have clarified once again.”

He further said the state government has taken up development works around Lingaraj Temple in the interest of devotees and people, in general. “If development works can be taken up at Kashi Bishwanath, Somnath and Kedarnath temples, why not Lingaraj temple. It seems the works have hampered the interest of the Central government,” the minister said.

He further said the Centre is following dual policy in interpretation of  AMSAR Act, Panda asked whether all the rules were being followed in other temples. Following landslides, when construction works were carried out in the prohibited areas of the affected temples to provide facilities to the devotees, were the rules followed, he asked.

On the other hand, BJP justified the Centre’s objection as its state president Samir Mohanty said his party was not against development, but laws of the land must not be flouted.

“There is a Constitution which applies to all parts of the country and its people. A state government should take up all works within the provisions of the Constitution,” he said.

Bhubaneswar district president of BJP Babu Singh has also supported the Centre’s move. “The Centre has directed the Odisha government to work within the law. There is nothing wrong about it. But the present state government seems to be determined to demolish all that stands for Odia culture and tradition,” he said.