BJD, BSP activists heading for showdown

Puri, Jun 23 (UNI) The activists of Biju Janata Dal and Bhusampati Surakshya Parishad (BSP) are heading for a showdown during Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's visit to the temple town tomorrow.

While the BSP, Sri Jagannath Sevayat Sammillani and anti-Vedanta activists had decided to stage agitation during Mr Patnaik's visit, the BJD activists had announced to thwart all attempts to disrupt the Chief Minister's visit in protest against the non-fulfilment of their demands.

The demands included the repeal of the order to vest the ownership of Jagannath temple occupied by them in the name of temple administration, repeal of Section 21-b, which empowers the temple administration to suspend any sevayat, if found involved in any criminal activities.

The Chief Minister is arriving here to review the arrangements made for the smooth celebration of the coming Ratha Yatra.

BJD district president Shankershan Parida told newspersons here that all problems could be solved through discussions and any attempt to disturb Mr Patnaik's visit was unwarranted.

The agitation, he said, would hamper the image of the town.

Since the Chief Minister was coming to Puri to evaluate the Rath Yatra preparations, the agitation at this point would mar the festival arrangements.

He appealed to the BSP and others to drop their agitational plan.

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