After the ASI intimated that the ongoing Rs. 800-crore Shree Mandir Parikrama Project around Shree Jagannath Temple, had no sanction of any competent authority, Opposition parties stepped up their attack.

Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi said, “After filing of ASI’s affidavit before Orissa HC, I am convinced that Lord Jagannath is trying to save himself and his temple from an elected State government, which is hell bent upon defying the law.”

The ASI had informed that there was every possibility of the ongoing excavation causing destruction to the heritage site.

“So much of public money is being spent on forcibly creating infrastructure which could easily be created beyond 100 metres. If the structures are declared illegal tomorrow who will be responsible for wastage of hundreds of crore of rupees which is the hard earned money of Odias,” Ms. Sarangi asked.

In New Delhi, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, “The content of ASI’s joint inspection report is a matter of grave concern. Every Odia should be worried about the State government’s arrogance.”

“The Shree Jagannath Temple is heritage for Odias. If we have destroyed our archaeological remnants, who should be held responsible for it? The government had carried out similar misadventure around Lingaraj Temple. We had drawn attention of the government. Now, the space around the Lingaraj Temple has proved to be archaeological treasure and statues of seventh century have been discovered,” said Mr. Patra.

After filing of ASI’s affidavit before Orissa High Court, I am convinced that Lord Jagannath is trying to save himself and his temple from an elected State government, which is hell bent upon brazenly defying the law

Aparajita Sarangi

BJP MP

Our code of editorial values