Jani stated in the video message: "I went to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri to ask for the deity's grace and to tell people about the shrine's infrastructural progress."
Digital Desk: Following the controversy over her recent visit to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, social media personality Kamiya Jani clarified on Sunday that she is a Hindu and has never eaten or supported beef.
The creator of Curly Tales and a food blogger named Jani uploaded a video to her Instagram page the day after the Opposition Congress called on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to apologize and a cultural group protested in the state capital, calling for action against her.
The Opposition BJP has also raised the matter and called for action against Jani and VK Pandian, a former bureaucrat who is now a politician of the BJD, who is accused of having helped her visit 12th-century shrine.
Jani stated in the video message: "I went to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri to ask for the deity's grace and to tell people about the shrine's infrastructural progress."
Jani stated, "To be clear, I haven't broken any rules," referring to the regulations set forth by the temple officials. I follow the Hindu religion. I have not advocated for or consumed meat. Jani said that in her capacity as a food blogger, she had educated viewers about regional cuisines, as seen by the Kerala film whose screenshots are being utilized. There could be a miscommunication here. "The purpose of this clarification is to put an end to any misunderstanding," she stated in the video.
She was previously portrayed by the BJP as a “beef eater” and an advocate for eating beef. The saffron party questioned how the woman was permitted admission into the Hindu-only temple from the 12th century. The party asked that Jani and VK Pandian, the head of the 5T (transformation program), be held accountable for allegedly enabling her visit to the temple.
However, BJD MP Manas Mangaraj questioned why the BJP objected to Jani's visit to the Jaganath temple while Jani was being used by the BJP administration at the Centre to film documentaries.
"Kamiya Jani was recruited by the BJP government to direct movies about Hindu culture and temples. She visited Ram Lalla at Ayodhya and Chardham. And for that, you all adore her," Mangaraj said.
On Friday, Union Minister Giriraj Singh denounced the "complete disregard" for the sacredness of the shrine dating back to the 12th century. Singh wrote on X, "By facilitating entry of a beef promoter into the revered shrine, VK Pandian has shown utmost disregard to religion, history, and spirituality." Singh further demanded that those in charge take swift and severe action.
In a measured statement released on Saturday, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated, "Lord Jagannath is the center of faith for all Odias and Sanatanis." Thus, whether intentionally or inadvertently, nothing should be done to offend people's feelings. Odias' unshakable love, dedication, and regard for the Lord are qualities that no one should belittle." He did not mention Jani directly.
If Jani followed his instructions and visited the temple, OPCC President Sarat Pattnayak demanded an apology from Patnaik.
In addition, a local group called Shree Jagannath Sankruti Surakha Abhijan organized a protest in Bhubaneswar, calling for action against Pandian and Jani.
Pandian has distanced himself from the situation and refrained from commenting on the issue, while Jani has clarified the topic twice thus far. When asked for his response to the situation, Pandian said, "Jai Jagannath."
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