In a significant political move ahead of the Odisha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri on Monday and launched a scathing attack on the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government over the missing keys of the temple’s Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove). Addressing a rally in Angul, PM Modi accused the BJD of failing to ensure the safety of the 12th-century temple, a critical cultural and religious symbol for the people of Odisha. “Jagannath temple in Puri is not safe under BJD rule. 'Ratna Bhandar' keys have been missing for the last 6 years,” Modi asserted, pointing to the unresolved issue of the missing keys that has haunted the state administration since 2018. This rally comes just days before Puri and Bhubaneswar head to the polls on May 25, intensifying the political battle in the state.
The Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple, which houses the precious ornaments of deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, has immense significance for the devotees and the heritage of Odisha. The chamber was last opened on July 14, 1985, and in 2018, the Orissa High Court directed the government to conduct a physical inspection of the chamber. However, the inability to locate the keys led to widespread outrage and criticism of the state government’s handling of the matter.
PM Modi took to Twitter to share his spiritual experience, writing, “Prayed to Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. May His blessings always remain upon us and guide us to new heights of progress.” Following his prayers, Modi participated in a massive two-kilometre roadshow from Marchikote Chowk to the Medical Square in Puri, accompanied by BJP’s Puri Lok Sabha candidate Sambit Patra and state president Manmohan Samal.
This visit marks Modi’s second trip to Odisha in the last ten days, underscoring the BJP’s determined efforts to gain a foothold in the state. The political rivalry between the BJP and the BJD has intensified, especially after the two parties failed to form a pre-poll alliance, leading to one of the most heated electoral contests in recent memory.
As Odisha gears up for the elections, the issue of the missing Ratna Bhandar keys has once again taken center stage, with PM Modi leveraging it to question the BJD’s governance and appeal to the sentiments of the people. The outcome of this electoral battle could significantly impact the political landscape of the state, making the upcoming polls a crucial event to watch.
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