A heated exchange has erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition parties in Tamil Nadu following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks regarding the ‘missing’ keys of the Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of Puri’s Jagannath temple, which he claimed were in Tamil Nadu.
The controversy began when PM Modi, during an election rally in Odisha, stated that the “missing” keys of the Jagannath temple’s treasure trove had reached Tamil Nadu six years ago. This comment was perceived as a dig at Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s aide, VK Pandian, who hails from Tamil Nadu.
In response, the Congress announced plans to stage a protest in front of the BJP headquarters in Tamil Nadu. State BJP chief Annamalai countered by offering to serve food to the protesters. Congress leader EVKS Elangovan retaliated by demanding that the BJP serve beef and non-vegetarian food.
Annamalai tweeted, “I heard that the Tamil Nadu state president of the Congress party has announced that they are going to lay siege to the Tamil Nadu BJP headquarters. If our office announces the date of arrival in advance, it will be convenient to arrange meals for the ten people coming.” He also mentioned that they would provide a book on the betrayals of the DMK and Congress to all attendees.
Elangovan responded, stating, “If we come over there, we need non-vegetarian and beef. We will inform two days prior. You please prepare and let him do so.”
The DMK also condemned PM Modi’s remarks, with Chief Minister MK Stalin accusing the Prime Minister of referring to people in Tamil Nadu as thieves. Annamalai defended PM Modi, asserting that the Prime Minister merely indicated that if the BJP came to power, the lost keys would be found.
The exchange underscores the ongoing political tension and the sharp rhetoric employed by both parties as they prepare for upcoming elections.
