BJD Government's Bid to Halt 2020 Rath Yatra Unveiled by Dharmendra Pradhan

In a recent press conference, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan brought to light allegations against the BJD government in Odisha, accusing them of attempting to cancel the Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra in Puri during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The BJP leader criticized the actions of a group closely associated with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, suggesting they compromised the pride of Odia asmita (identity).

Pradhan's comments were in response to accusations from VK Pandian, a senior BJD leader and close aide to Patnaik, who had previously criticized Pradhan and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi for their opposition to the Sri Mandir Parikrama and Ekamra Khetra projects. "Who had hatched the conspiracy to stop Rath Yatra in 2020? If the CM has morality, he should clarify it," Pradhan challenged, expressing concerns over the BJD government's control over the shrine.

Despite his criticisms, Pradhan clarified his support for the Puri Temple Heritage Corridor Project, revealing his personal contribution of Rs 1 lakh from his salary towards the development of the 12th-century shrine. He also highlighted the BJP government's financial support of Rs 50 crore for the Nabakalebara festival in 2015.

Addressing allegations of attempting to stall the Srimandir Parikrama Project, Pradhan admitted to objecting to the demolition of several ancient mutt structures but denied that this amounted to opposing the project itself. The Union Minister also criticized Patnaik and his party for lacking leadership within Odisha, questioning the reliance on a "coterie of bureaucrats" rather than finding a successor among the 4.5 crore Odias.

Senior BJD leader and former minister Sanjay Das Burma countered Pradhan's allegations, pointing out Pradhan's absence at the inauguration of the heritage corridor project as indicative of his disinterest. Das Burma defended the BJD government's contributions to promoting Odia language, culture, and tradition, including changing the state's name from Orissa to Odisha during Patnaik's tenure. He accused the BJP of invoking Odia asmita during elections as a strategy to mislead voters.

This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between local and national political figures over cultural heritage projects and governance in Odisha, reflecting broader debates on regional identity and development priorities.