BJP candidate from Puri Lok Sabha seat, Sambit Patra, has issued a formal apology after receiving backlash for his remarks about Mahaprabhu Jagannath being a devotee of PM Narendra Modi. Patra claimed it was an unintentional mistake made during a crowded and noisy media interaction. He has also decided to observe a fast as a form of repentance. This incident has sparked a political debate, shedding light on the impact of careless statements by politicians during election season.
Controversial Remarks by BJP Candidate Spark Outrage
In the midst of the ongoing Lok Sabha election campaign, a controversial statement by BJP candidate Sambit Patra has ignited a political firestorm. Patra, who is contesting from the Puri Lok Sabha seat, made remarks suggesting that Lord Jagannath, a revered deity in the region, is a devotee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Controversy
During a media interaction, Patra stated, "Lord Jagannath, who is the presiding deity of Odisha, is the biggest devotee of Modi Ji. He always inspires us." These comments drew immediate criticism from political opponents and religious leaders alike. Critics accused Patra of politicizing a religious figure and insulting the sentiments of millions of Hindus.
Patra's Apology and Repentance
Facing widespread backlash, Patra issued a formal apology on social media. He claimed that his remarks were an unintentional mistake made during a crowded and noisy media interaction. He also announced that he would observe a fast as a form of repentance.
Political Fallout
The incident has sparked a political debate, with opposition parties demanding stern action against Patra. The Congress has called for his disqualification from the elections, while the ruling BJD has distanced itself from his comments. The issue has also raised concerns about the sensitivity of religious issues during election campaigns.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: What was the exact statement made by Sambit Patra? A1: Patra stated that "Lord Jagannath, who is the presiding deity of Odisha, is the biggest devotee of Modi Ji."
Q2: Why were Patra's remarks so controversial? A2: Critics accused him of politicizing a religious figure and insulting the sentiments of millions of Hindus.
Q3: What actions has Patra taken in response to the controversy? A3: He has issued a formal apology and announced that he will observe a fast as a form of repentance.
Q4: What is the political fallout of the incident? A4: Opposition parties are demanding Patra's disqualification from the elections, while the ruling BJD has distanced itself from his comments.
Q5: Has there been any precedent for such controversies in Indian elections? A5: Yes, there have been previous instances of politicians making controversial remarks about religious figures during election campaigns.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has been in the news for its melting glaciers and concerns about climate change. However, its strategic importance has also caught the attention of leaders like President Trump who recently expressed interest in purchasing the island. This is not a new idea, as previous presidents have also considered acquiring Greenland due to its location, potential energy resources, and role in the Arctic region. This article explores the history of this proposition and the current geopolitical considerations surrounding Greenland.
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of former sect manager Ranjit Singh. The case, which has seen multiple twists and turns, has been referred to Justice Bela M. Trivedi's bench, which is already hearing a related petition filed by the victim's father. The CBI has argued that Ram Rahim orchestrated the murder after suspecting Singh of leaking an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual misconduct. The case has attracted widespread public attention due to Ram Rahim's involvement and frequent paroles from prison.
As Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule voices the public demand for Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, a petition filed in the Bombay High Court by Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of the murdered sarpanch, is withdrawn. The petition had alleged that Munde was linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the murder of his sibling in 2024. Sule cites a precedent in which a former Maharashtra CM resigned over a scam, calling for similar sensitivity towards this case.
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, with voting to take place on February 5 and counting of votes on February 8. The recent release of the final electoral roll shows a 1.09 per cent increase in the number of voters since the last draft. CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns over EVMs and the election procedure, asserting the transparency and credibility of the Indian election process. The AAP, BJP and Congress are gearing up for a three-way battle, with the AAP currently in the lead after sweeping 2020 Delhi elections.
With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin believes that the Congress party will successfully appeal to voters by focusing on key issues affecting citizens. He emphasized that the party only makes promises that have been fulfilled in Congress-ruled states and will prioritize cleaning the Yamuna, improving women's safety, reducing corruption, and addressing unemployment, all of which have been neglected by the current AAP government.
The BJP has refuted Delhi CM Atishi's accusation that her official residence was taken away by the Centre, stating that the allotment was withdrawn for her failure to take possession and ongoing CBI/ED investigation. The AAP leader, however, remains undeterred and vows to work for the people of Delhi even if it means operating from the streets. Delhi's 2025 election poll schedule has also been announced, with voting to take place on February 5 and results on February 8.
During a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Trump believes that the new name has a "beautiful ring" and is more appropriate, especially given the current state of relations between the US and Mexico. While this isn't the first time renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has been proposed, Trump's announcement has caused controversy and garnered attention.
The nation bids farewell to former President Jimmy Carter as his funeral procession takes place from the U.S. Navy Memorial to the Capitol in Washington D.C. The event was attended by many political figures and members of the public, paying their respects to the late President. Despite the solemn atmosphere, the streets were lined with people celebrating Carter's life and legacy.
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan has released the draft guidelines for the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025. These new regulations aim to bring flexibility, inclusivity, and excellence in faculty recruitment and career progression in Indian higher education institutions. They also align with the goals of the New Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020) and place emphasis on Indian languages and interdisciplinary backgrounds. Additionally, the guidelines include specialized recruitment pathways for fields such as Yoga, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Sculpture, and Drama to attract the best talent and preserve India's cultural heritage.