Puri: A controversy erupted after a video of social media influencer and Curly Tales founder Kamiya Jani talking to bureaucrat-turned-BJD leader VK Pandian on Jagannath temple premises went viral on social media.
In a video uploaded on her YouTube channel, Jani was seen interacting with bureaucrat-turned-politician VK Pandian, seen as a successor of chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who talked extensively on the importance of ‘Mahaprasad’, the ongoing heritage corridor project and other aspects linked to temple development.
https://youtu.be/VKZf4hKQoWA
However, the Opposition BJP objected to Jani’s entry to the temple and alleged that a video camera was used on the temple premises which is banned by the Shree Jagannath temple Administration (SJTA).
“It has come to light that BJD leader VK Pandian along with YouTuber Kamiya Jani made a video on tasting of ‘Mahaprasad’ at Puri Jagannath temple. Earlier, Kamiya Jani posted a video eating beef. Beef-eaters are strictly not allowed inside Jagannath temple. We have urged that a case should be registered against them under 295 IPC for hurting the religious sentiments of a community. If they are not arrested, then we will approach the court,” Mohanty said.
As the row escalated, Jani in her Instagram story said, “As an Indian, my mission is to take Indian culture and heritage to the world. I have been visiting all the Jyotirlingas and char dhams of India and what a privilege it’s been. Woke up to this strange article in the newspaper questioning my visit to Jagannath temple. Not that anyone has reached out to me but just here to clarify that I don’t and have never eaten Beef. Jai Jagannath.”
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) wrote on X, “The allegation made by a certain political party about YouTube influencer taking a camera to the temple premises is completely baseless. There is no truth in this. If anyone has any evidence, if they present it, it will be investigated and necessary action will be taken.”
BJD in a press conference came down heavily on the BJP and accused it of becoming intolerant over the development of the temple. The ruling party also clarified that Jani had taken ‘Mahaprasad’ at Radha Ballav ‘Mutt’ (monastery) and not inside the temple premises.
“Camera was not allowed inside the temple premises,” the BJD said in a statement. ‘Let Lord Jagannath bless the BJP leaders to overcome their narrow mindset,’ a BJD statement said.
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