BJP leader and Puri Lok Sabha candidate Sambit Patra caused uproar when he referred to Lord Jagannath as a devotee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After facing backlash from different quarters, Patra clarified that it was a slip of the tongue and he meant that the PM was a devotee of Lord Jagannath. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned Patra's statement and criticized him for hurting Odia pride. Patra has since apologized and announced a three-day fast to atone for his mistake.
Sambit Patra's Controversial Statement on Lord Jagannath
Background
Lord Jagannath is a revered Hindu deity, particularly worshipped in Odisha. The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha is one of the four holiest sites in Hinduism. The temple is known for its annual Rath Yatra festival, which attracts millions of pilgrims.
Incident
On April 1, 2023, while campaigning for the Puri Lok Sabha seat, BJP leader Sambit Patra made a controversial statement. He referred to Lord Jagannath as a devotee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "Lord Jagannath is a BJP member and a devotee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
Backlash and Apology
Patra's statement sparked immediate uproar among Odias and Hindu devotees. Many accused him of hurting religious sentiments and insulting Lord Jagannath. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned Patra's statement, calling it "unacceptable."
Patra later clarified that his statement was a "slip of the tongue" and that he meant to say that PM Modi was a devotee of Lord Jagannath. However, the damage had been done. He subsequently apologized for his remarks and announced a three-day fast to atone for his mistake.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why did Sambit Patra's statement cause such an uproar?
Patra's statement offended religious sentiments because Lord Jagannath is considered a supreme deity in Odisha and Hinduism. Many felt that his remark belittled the god and undermined his divinity.
2. What was Patra's explanation for his statement?
Patra claimed that he had misspoken and that he actually meant to say that PM Modi was a devotee of Lord Jagannath. He said it was a "slip of the tongue."
3. Did Patra apologize for his remarks?
Yes, Patra apologized for his statement and announced a three-day fast to atone for his mistake. He also visited the Jagannath Temple to seek forgiveness from the deity.
4. What were the consequences of Patra's statement?
Patra faced widespread condemnation and criticism for his remarks. The incident also raised questions about the BJP's respect for religious sentiments.
5. Did Patra's statement have any impact on the Puri Lok Sabha election?
The impact of Patra's statement on the Puri Lok Sabha election is unclear. However, it is likely that the controversy will have some influence on voters' decisions.
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