BJP Candidate's Comment on Lord Jagannath Causes Uproar in Odisha

In a recent development that has stirred the political landscape of Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik made a fervent appeal to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to refrain from involving Lord Jagannath in political rhetoric. This appeal came in response to a controversial statement by BJP's Puri candidate, Sambit Patra, suggesting that the revered deity is a devotee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Patra later clarified his remark, stating it was a misstatement and that he intended to express PM Modi's devotion to Lord Jagannath.

Patnaik's criticism was voiced through an X post, where he expressed his disapproval of Patra's comments, highlighting the insult it posed to Lord Jagannath and the collective sentiment of Odias worldwide. He emphasized that such statements not only hurt the pride of Odias but also demean their faith, calling for the BJP to elevate their discourse above political gains.

Patra, addressing the backlash, admitted to his slip of tongue, emphasizing his respect for Lord Jagannath and dismissing the controversy as a non-issue. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and AICC in-charge of Odisha, Ajoy Kumar, also condemned Patra's statement, reflecting a broader disapproval across political lines.

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has taken formal steps against Patra by lodging a complaint with the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), accusing him of violating the model code of conduct. Additionally, Jayanarayan Patnaik, Congress's Puri candidate, filed a complaint with the Town police station in Puri.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) joined in condemning Patra's remarks, with senior party leader Chandrima Bhattacharya expressing her shock and disapproval through a video message. The TMC's official X handle echoed these sentiments, criticizing the BJP for undermining religious sentiments for political advantage.

This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah raising concerns over the Ratna Bhandar treasury of Lord Jagannath during their election rallies in Odisha. Modi questioned the Biju Janata Dal's (BJD) silence on the missing key issue and promised transparency upon BJP's election victory in the state.

Sambit Patra is contesting from the Puri parliamentary constituency for the second time, having been defeated in 2019 by BJD's Pinaki Mishra by a narrow margin. This incident has not only highlighted the sensitive intersection of religion and politics but also underscored the deep reverence Odias hold for Lord Jagannath, transcending political affiliations.