KalingaTV News Network
Puri: Jagannathpremi Jubamancha in the Pilgrim City on Tuesday filed an FIR with Puri Town police against Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his comparison of Chhera Panhara of Lord Jagannath with the Swachh Bharat programme of the Centre.
Before filing the complaint with the police, members of the Jagannathpremi Jubamancha staged a demonstration in-front of the Jagannath temple seeking an apology from Pradhan.
The state ruling BJD and Odisha unit of Congress party also did not leave the chance to attack the Union Minister over the matter.
On Saturday, the Union Minister while attending the Rath Yatra had said, “Sweeping and keeping clean is a part of our culture. Modiji’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has connections with the Jagannath culture.”
However, the ruling BJD criticized Pradhan’s comment terming it an insult to the Jagannath cult.
BJD spokesperson Pratap Jena said that drawing such comparison is an insult to the Jagannath culture and sought apology from Pradhan for the remark.
“The Union Minister should tender an unconditional apology to the people of Odisha for making such an offensive remark without understanding the Jagannath culture,” Jena said.
Adding to Jena, Congress Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “Addressing the reverent Gajapati Maharaj as a sweeper like a common people is unacceptable. The Minister’s statement is unfortunate and shameful. He should apologise for this.”
Kalinga AI