Arrogance Cost Didi; CM

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has emphasized the protection of Odia Asmita and Shree Jagannatha culture, attributing political shifts in neighboring West Bengal to a failure to respect the sanctity of Lord Jagannatha. During a press conference marking the BJP government’s two years in office, CM Shri Majhi addressed the controversy surrounding the use of the word Dham for a state-funded temple in Digha, West Bengal. He credited the previous administration’s defeat to what he described as the arrogance of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, suggesting that the misuse of the sacred tag led to political repercussions. CM Shri Majhi noted that he had consulted with current West Bengal Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari regarding the issue. Following this correspondence, Shri Adhikari announced that the government would remove the label from the Digha premises.

Majhi maintained that Puri remains one of the four cardinal Dhams for Sanatani Hindus and that the misapplication of this status had caused widespread sentiment among devotees. The Chief Minister also addressed concerns regarding the practices of ISKCON, particularly the organization’s conduct of Rath Yatra outside of the traditional timeline. Shri Majhi stated that his administration would take appropriate measures to uphold traditions in response to objections raised by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri and the Shankaracharya. The Gajapati Maharaja, who serves as the titular king of Puri and the first servitor of the temple, has previously expressed strong opposition to ISKCON holding Rath Yatra ceremonies in dozens of countries on dates that deviate from the established calendar. He has requested formal intervention from both the President of India and the Prime Minister to address these concerns.

CM Shri Majhi reaffirmed that the state government remains dedicated to safeguarding the cultural heritage and religious integrity associated with Lord Jagannatha.