Puri, May 21: National BJP spokesperson and party’s Puri Lok Sabha candidate Sambit Patra has said to fast for three days as penance for his slip of tongue where he said Jagannath is a devotee of Modi during the PM’s visit to Jagannath Temple on Monday.
Patra on Monday landed himself in a controversy over this controversial statement.
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow on Bada Danda (Grand Road) at Puri, Patra was seen highly emotional for the success of the event and the feeling of the crowd.
Responding to media queries he stated that “By the way, Jagannath is a devotee of Modi which made the roadshow a grand success.”
Patra's remark drew strong criticism with several political parties including the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) called it an insult to Lord Jagannath and Odias across the world.
When Patra came to know about his mistake he said, “I am deeply troubled over my mistake. It was a slip of tongue”.
Sambit Patra said he bowed down at the feet of Mahaprabhu Jagannath and begged for forgiveness from the Lord. “As penance for my sin, I will fast for the next three days,” he said in a late night video message.
"I am deeply pained by my mistake regarding Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath Ji. I bow down at the feet of Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath Ji and seek forgiveness," he posted on X.
