Archive · 30 Jul 2026
BJD Demands Odisha Deputy CM Apology Over Temple Breach
Biju Janata Dal, a political party in Odisha, asked the Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, to say sorry because she and two BJP leaders were said to have entered a special part of the Jagannath temple that only certain servants are allowed to use.
The party said the temple officials let them in without permission.
They also said the temple and the state government have not been careful enough to keep the big Rath Yatra festival safe, which caused a stampede that killed three people last year.
The party’s spokesperson, Dr. Lenin Mohanty, warned that if the Deputy Chief Minister keeps breaking the rules and the temple stays quiet, the government itself is breaking the rules.
Biju Janata Dal demanded Deputy CM Pravati Parida apologise for alleged violation of Jagannath temple protocol during Niladri Bije ritual.
BJD alleged that Parida, BJP state president Manmohan Samal and MLA Ashrit Pattanayak entered the Chahani Mandap, a space reserved for authorised servitors.
The party accused the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration of granting “special permission” and of failing to enforce rules for ruling party leaders.
BJD highlighted administrative lapses over the past three years, citing the 2023 stampede that killed three devotees during Rath Yatra.
Dr. Lenin Mohanty warned that if the Deputy CM remains in violation and the administration stays silent, the government itself becomes the first violator of discipline.
- Who
- Biju Janata Dal, Deputy CM Pravati Parida, BJP leaders Manmohan Samal and Ashrit Pattanayak
- What
- Demanded an apology for alleged violation of Jagannath temple protocol
- When
- Thursday (recently)
- Where
- Shree Jagannath Temple, Chahani Mandap, Odisha
- Why
- Alleged breach of temple protocol and administrative lapses
- Party demanding apology
- Biju Janata Dal
- Deputy CM
- Pravati Parida
- Temple
- Shree Jagannath Temple
- Location
- Odisha, India
- Event
- Niladri Bije ritual
- Accused leaders
- Manmohan Samal, Ashrit Pattanayak