BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra has come under fire for his recent comment referring to Lord Jagannath as a devotee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Patra, speaking to the media after PM Modi’s roadshow in Puri, Odisha, called the revered deity a “bhakt” of the Prime Minister. This statement has triggered a political storm, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters, including Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Controversial Remark: Sambit Patra’s comment has sparked outrage, prompting him to announce a period of fasting (“upvaas”) to atone for the error.
Explanation and Apology: Sambit Patra attributed the gaffe to the chaotic atmosphere during the media interaction, clarifying that he intended to emphasize PM Modi’s devotion to Lord Jagannath.
Opposition Condemnation: Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, condemned Sambit Patra’s statement as arrogant and insulting to religious sentiments.
Demand for Apology: The Congress, BJD, and AAP demanded an apology from PM Modi himself, holding him accountable for Sambit Patra’s remarks.
Formal Complaint: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee lodged a formal complaint, alleging a deliberate attempt to insult religious sentiments and violating the model code of conduct.
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing elections in Odisha, with the incident potentially impacting voter sentiment and the BJP’s electoral prospects in the state.
