Jagannath is PM Narendra Modi's bhakt, says Sambit Patra, faces backlash

BHUBANESWAR: BJP's Puri Lok Sabha candidate Sambit Patra on Monday triggered a national controversy with his unwitting remark that "Lord Jagannath is bhakt (devotee) of Modi," drawing sharp reactions from the opposition, including chief minister Naveen Patnaik and his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal.

Talking about the enthusiasm surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Puri, Patra told a local news channel, "Lakhs of people have come to see Modi. Lord Jagannath is bhakt (devotee) of Modi and we all are members of Modi's family. I am unable to control my emotions at such an unprecedented sight. I feel it's a special day for all Odias."

Though Patra apologised for his comment, it resulted in an outcry on social media. Naveen took to social media to condemn Patra's comment. "Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha is the Lord of Universe. Calling Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another human being is an insult to the Lord. This has hurt the sentiments and demeaned the faith of crores of Jagannatha bhaktas and Odias across the world," Naveen posted on X.

The chief minister added, "The Lord is the greatest Symbol of Odia Asmita. Calling Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another human being is totally condemnable. I strongly denounce the statement made by the BJP Puri Lok Sabha candidate and I appeal to the BJP to keep the Lord above any political discourse."

Responding to Naveen, Kejriwal also posted on X, "I strongly condemn this statement of BJP. They have started thinking that they are above God. This is height of arrogance. Calling God bhakt of Modi ji is an insult to God."

Congress lodged a complaint against Patra at Singhadwar police station in Puri and moved the state chief electoral officer, seeking action against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. No case has been registered till filing of the report.

Cong, TMC take to social media to denounce Sambit's comment
The Congress state unit posted on X, "According to Sambit Patra, 'Modi's bhakt is Jagannath'. It's a direct attack on Odia asmita. We want Sambit to apologize with folded hands in front of national media and each and every citizen of Odisha."

Congress said Patra's remark has hurt the sentiments of countless devotees of Lord Jagannath. Congress leader Pradeep Mohapatra said the derogatory remark shows Patra's arrogance.

Late evening, the Trinamool Congress described Patra's statement as blasphemy of the highest order.

"By dragging Mahaprabhu's name into their petty political discourse just to prop up the Prime Minister's image, BJP has hurt the sentiments of crores of devotees not just in Bengal but worldwide. Their contempt for our collective sense of cultural pride won't be taken lightly! People will not stand for such sacrilege," the TMC posted on X.

Facing backlash, Patra said it was a slip of tongue. "I wanted to say that Modi-ji is an ardent follower of Lord Jagannath. By mistake, I said that Jagannath is Modi's bhakt. There should be no politics on this matter. Quite naturally, we all are the devotees of Lord Jagannath," Patra wrote on X.



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