BJD, BSP withdraw agitation plan

Puri, Jun 23 (UNI) A showdown between activists of ruling Biju Janata Dal and Bhusampati Surakshya Parishad (BSP) was today averted after the BSP activists decided to postpone their agitation plan to protest the visit of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to the town.

The BSP, Sri Jagannath Sevayat Sammillani and anti-Vedanta activists together had decided to protest the visit of Mr Patnaik to the temple town tomorrow, while the BJD activists had announced to thwart all attempts to disrupt the Chief Minister's visit.

The BSP had been demanding the repeal of the order to vest the ownership of Jagannath temple occupied by them in the name of temple administration, while the Jagannath Sevayat Sammillani has demanded the repeal of Section 21-b Jagannath Temple Act which empowers the temple administration to suspend any sevayat if found involved in any criminal activities.

The BSP activists withdrew their plan after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik invited them for a discussion on June 26 next.

BSP convenor Surendra Das said the future course of action would be decided only after the outcome of the meeting with the Chief Minister.

Mr Patnaik is arriving here to review the arrangements made for the smooth celebration of the annual Ratha Yatra.

BJD district president Shankershan Parida told newspersons here earlier today that all problems could be solved through discussions and any attempt to disturb the Chief Minister's visit was unwarranted.

The agitation, he said, would hamper the image of the public in this town since the Chief Minister was coming to review the Rath yatra preparedness. He had appealed to the BSP and others to drop their agitational plan.

UNI XC-BD SJC GL RN2311