Bhubaneswar: Soon after Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati came down on Odisha government on controversial Srimandir heritage corridor project, opposition parties rallied against the government and demanded to stop the work immediately.
The state unit of BJP termed the project as illegal as it was being executed without permission from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and called for a halt to it as the Shankaracharya has raised objection. The government has never been transparent in its plan for the project, said party spokesperson Jatin Mohanty.
“We have been opposing the project as it is executed without survey and identification of existing heritage structures around Jagannath Temple. Now that the Shankaracharya has clearly expressed his opposition to the project on various grounds, the government should desist from its plan,” he said.
Stating that his party was not against developmental work, he said it should be carried out as per the provisions of law. “Blueprint of Srimandir Parikrama project work should be made public. For now, construction activities should be put on hold. The work can be taken up after obtaining the approval of the ASI,” said Mohanty.
Speaking on similar vein, Arya Kumar Gyanendra of Congress said the project is implemented by violating 10 laws. All parties are opposing it except ruling BJD, he added.
Stating that the Shankaracharya’s views are highly respected by all Odias, he said his party would accept whatever decision is taken by him on the project.
On his response to the seer’s comments, minister Ashok Panda said the government was aware of the opinions coming from different quarters and was considering all aspects of the project. “We should have patience for the government to come out with its decision on the matter,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the Shankaracharya expressed deep agony over destruction of heritage in the name of development and said it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that a place of pilgrimage is not converted into a centre of amusement and pleasure.
“An administration can only extend cooperation in affairs related to religious places but can’t take and execute decisions. Prime Minister and Odisha Chief Minister should pay attention to the fact that Puri is being distorted in the name of development,” the seer said.
