The dispute over Durga Puja in Jharpada, which began in 2024, has intensified, with the area now witnessing puja at two separate pandals. After a change in the organising committee at the traditional venue, the old puja committee has shifted to Jharpada Melana Padia to perform the worship.
The situation has turned confrontational, involving permission for the puja, construction of the ceremonial torana (arch), and face-offs between committee members and the police.
A fresh flashpoint has emerged ahead of the festival over the removal of temporary shops (utha dokans) located in front of the mandap. Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Laxmisagar police station are pushing for the eviction to manage crowds and maintain law and order, while local shopkeepers and alleged encroachers are strongly resisting. Old puja committee members have alleged that the shopkeepers have declared the stalls will remain in place “whether the puja happens or not.”
Following complaints, Deputy Commissioner of Police Saravana Vivek M stated that the police have brought the situation under control. The area remains sensitive, with a triangular confrontation involving BMC, police, the puja committee, and traders. Shopkeepers fear losing their livelihood just before the festival and have protested against the eviction drive, at times arguing with the administration and refusing to vacate.
This comes amid existing group rivalries and earlier disputes over the torana construction in Jharpada. Police and BMC have said they are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the puja is conducted peacefully without traffic disruptions.
