Row over Jagannath temple video: BJP demands action against social media influencer Kamiya Jani
Bhubaneswar, Dec 22: The ruling BJD and the Opposition BJP on Thursday exchanged words over the entry of social media influencer Kamiya Jani to Shree Jagannath Temple for making a video on the 12th century shrine.
The video by Jani highlighted Shree Jagannath culture and also featured bureaucrat-turned BJD leader VK Pandian speaking on the importance of Mahaprasad', the ongoing heritage corridor project and other aspects linked to temple development.
However, Opposition BJP raised questions on how an alleged promoter of beef consumption (referring to Jani) was granted access to the 12th century shrine in Puri, where entry of non-Hindus is strictly prohibited.
As the controversy escalated, Jani in her Instagram post said, "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."
Shree Jagannath temple Administration (SJTA) wrote on X, "The allegation made by a certain political party about YouTube influencer taking a camera to the temple premises is completely baseless. There is no truth in this. If anyone has any evidence, if they present it, it will be investigated and necessary action will be taken."
Earlier, in a press conference, Odisha BJP general secretary Jatin Mohanty said the incident has hurt the religious sentiment of crores of Hindus. He also alleged that a video camera was used on the temple premises which is banned by the SJTA.
Mohanty demanded registration of a case against Pandian and Jani by SJTA under IPC Section 295 A for hurting religious sentiment of people. He also alleged that Pandian facilitated Jani's entry into the temple.
"Social media influencer Kamiya Jani is a promoter of beef consumption. As per the law of Srimandir, no beef-eater could enter the temple without prayaschita' (penance). Pandian has facilitated the entry of Jani into the temple. The incident has hurt the sentiments of crores of Hindus and devotees of Lord Jagannath," Mohanty told reporters.
While Pandian was not available for comment, BJD in a press conference came down heavily on the BJP and claimed that the opposition party was making baseless allegation and accused it of becoming intolerant over the development of the temple. The ruling party also clarified that Jani had taken 'Mahaprasad' at Radha Ballav 'Mutt' (monastery) and not inside the temple premises.
"Camera was not allowed inside the temple premises," the BJD said in a statement.
"Let Lord Jagannath bless the BJP leaders to overcome their narrow mindset," a BJD statement said.
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_odisha remains indifferent to the… pic.twitter.com/XGmrQVbFp9
— BJP Odisha (@BJP4Odisha) December 21, 2023
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
