Odisha CM’s close confidant VK Pandian’s decision to host social media influencer Kamiya Jani, who goes by the social media handle Curly Tales, at Puri Jagannath Temple has run into a controversy in the state, with the opposition BJP accusing the latter of being a “beef eater and promoter”.
“The sacred sanctity of Puri Srimandir, rich with historical and spiritual heritage, has been shamefully disregarded by VK Pandian, the chairman of 5T, who callously allowed a beef promoter into the revered premises of Jagannath Mandir. BJD remains indifferent to the sentiments of Odia and the sanctity of Jagannath Culture. Those responsible must face swift and severe consequences,” wrote the Odisha unit of BJP in a post on X.
The ruling BJD rubbished the allegations and accused the BJP of spreading lies. Jani, in a statement, clarified that she has never eaten beef.
BJP spokesperson Jatin Mohanty said a “beef eater” cannot enter the 12th Century Jagannath Temple as per the rules. He also raised objection over recording of a video of Pandian by Jani for her show as temple rules restrict camera entry. The BJP leader also alleged that both Pandian and Jani made a video on tasting ‘Mahaprasad’ of the Lords.
“There are videos of Jani eating beef in the past and she has also acknowledged it. By facilitating her entry into the shrine and recording a video inside the temple premises, the ruling BJD has not just hurt the sentiments of the people of Odisha but of the Hindus,” said Mohanty.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, in a clarification, said: “The allegation made by a certain political party regarding entry of a YouTube influencer into the shrine by taking a camera is completely baseless. There is no truth in it. If anyone has any evidence, if they present it, it will be probed and necessary action will be taken.”
In an Instagram story, the YouTube influencer said: “As an Indian, my mission is to take Indian culture and heritage to the world. I have been visiting all the yotirlingas 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 me yet but just here to clarify that I don’t and have never eaten beef.”
The ruling BJD also hit back at the BJP, with its spokesperson Ipsita Sahu saying, “No camera had been taken inside the temple as has been alleged by the BJP. The Mahaprasad was also served at the Radhaballav Math, which was clearly seen in the video.”
The BJD also shared previous incidents when Jani had visited other temples including the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya and questioned BJP’s silence on such visits.
It also took the opportunity to target the BJP for “getting jealous” over development of Puri and Jagannath Temple. It alleged that BJP leaders had attempted to stall the Parikrama Project earlier too.
The Parikrama project or the heritage corridor is being built around the Puri Jagannath temple with an investment of Rs 800 crore and is set for inauguration on January 17. The government has created a 75-metre passage on the outer walls (Meghanada Pacheri) of the 12th-Century shrine to ensure security to the temple and provide basic civic amenities to the lakhs of devotees who visit the temple daily.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
First published on: 22-12-2023 at 18:22 IST
