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The video by Jani encapsulated the essence of Shree Jagannath's culture, featuring bureaucrat-turned-BJD leader VK Pandian elucidating the...
Digital Desk: In a whirlwind of heated exchanges, the ruling BJD and the opposition BJP found themselves embroiled in a verbal tussle following the visit of social media influencer Kamiya Jani to the revered Shree Jagannath Temple. Jani's intent was to craft a video encapsulating the cultural richness of the 12th-century shrine, a move that inadvertently sparked a clash between political factions.
The video by Jani encapsulated the essence of Shree Jagannath's culture, featuring bureaucrat-turned-BJD leader VK Pandian elucidating the significance of the 'Mahaprasad' and shedding light on the ongoing heritage corridor project and other developmental aspects related to the temple.
However, the BJP swiftly raised objections, questioning the granting of access to Jani, citing her alleged promotion of beef consumption. The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri strictly prohibits the entry of non-Hindus, raising eyebrows over Jani's visit.
Amidst the escalating controversy, Jani took to Instagram to refute the allegations, stating her mission to promote Indian culture globally and clarifying her stance on never having consumed beef. She emphasized her visits to various sacred sites across India and expressed surprise at the speculations surrounding her visit to the Jagannath Temple.
Jani in her Instagram post wrote, "As an Indian, my mission is to take Indian culture and heritage to the world. I have been visiting all the Jyotirlingas and char dhams of India and what a privilege it’s been. Woke up to this strange article in the newspaper questioning my visit to Jagannath temple. Not that anyone has reached out to me but just here to clarify that I don’t and have never eaten Beef. Jai Jagannath."
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) promptly responded, denouncing the allegations made by a certain political party about Jani's use of a camera within the temple premises as baseless. They invited evidence to support these claims, assuring a thorough investigation and appropriate action if substantiated.
The BJP intensified their stance, demanding legal action against both Pandian and Jani under IPC Section 295 A for purportedly hurting religious sentiments. Jatin Mohanty, Odisha BJP General Secretary, alleged Pandian's role in facilitating Jani's entry and emphasized the sentiments of millions of devotees that were allegedly hurt by this incident.
While Pandian remained unavailable for comment, the BJD retaliated during a press conference, vehemently dismissing the BJP's claims as baseless and accused them of intolerance towards the temple's development. They clarified that Jani had partaken in 'Mahaprasad' at Radha Ballav 'Mutt' and not within the temple premises, reiterating that cameras were not permitted inside the temple.
Amidst the political uproar, the BJD concluded with a statement invoking Lord Jagannath's blessings upon the BJP leaders to transcend their narrow perspectives.
The episode has not only sparked a political debate but has also brought to the forefront the intricacies of cultural representation and access to sacred sites, leaving a lingering question about the boundaries between cultural promotion and religious sanctity.
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