Bhubaneswar, August 3: A political slugfest has erupted over the use of “Arpan Rice” for the Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha.
The controversy centers around rice collected by the “Arpan Rath” before the inauguration of the Puri Heritage Corridor Project.
Congress claims that the rice, which was collected for religious purposes, is now damaged and should be destroyed instead of being offered to Lord Jagannath.
The ruling BJP accuses the BJD of politicizing the issue, while Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan states that the rice’s fate will be decided by the temple managing committee.
The servitors have sought advice from the temple administration regarding this matter. It’s unfortunate that politics surrounds this sacred offering, which was spontaneously donated by the people for Lord Jagannath.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the temple authorities.
