BJP and BJD Clash Over Cracks in Jagannath Temple Boundary Wall Amidst Accusations

The BJP and BJD are in a heated exchange over the cracks on Meghanad Pacheri, the outer wall of Puri's Jagannath temple. The BJP and Odisha government attribute the damage to construction during the heritage corridor project by the previous BJD administration. Odisha's Law Minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan, mentioned that the cracks emerged during eviction for the Parikrama Prakalpa project.

Blame Game Over Heritage Corridor Project

Local residents and priests believe the eviction process caused significant damage to the structure. Harichandan noted that once the cracks were identified, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) promptly began repairs. Odisha BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal accused the former BJD government of endangering Meghanad Pacheri with deep excavations for the Parikrama project.

Biswal alleged that 20-feet-deep excavations using heavy machinery compromised the structure's safety. He claimed that the state's people are now suffering due to past mistakes. "They [BJD] have done the heritage corridor project for political gains," said Samal, echoing Biswal's sentiments.

BJD's Response to Allegations

BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera dismissed these accusations, questioning whether BJP leaders possess technical expertise to make such claims. "Do the BJP leaders have technical expertise? The claim would have been acceptable had it been spoken by technical experts," Behera stated, suggesting that BJP's allegations were politically driven.

Meanwhile, Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), confirmed ongoing repair work on the outer boundary wall. The focus remains on restoring and preserving this significant cultural landmark amidst political tensions surrounding its maintenance and heritage projects.

The debate continues as both parties stand firm in their positions regarding responsibility for the damage. The situation underscores broader political dynamics in Odisha, with each side seeking to influence public opinion through their narratives.