Controversy Over BJP Leader Sambit Patra's Slip of Tongue Involving Lord Jagannath and PM Modi

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Controversy Over BJP Leader Sambit Patra's Slip of Tongue Involving Lord Jagannath and PM Modi

Team Finance Saathi

21/May/2024

Key Points:

BJP leader Sambit Patra's comment that "Lord Jagannath is a bhakt of PM Narendra Modi" sparked outrage, leading to demands for his disqualification.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh condemned Patra's remark, asserting it insulted religious sentiments.
Patra clarified it was an unintentional slip and announced a 'upvaas' (fast) to seek forgiveness from Lord Jagannath.

BJP leader Sambit Patra recently found himself in hot water after a controversial statement linking Lord Jagannath to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This comment, suggesting that "Lord Jagannath is a bhakt (devotee) of PM Modi," led to a wave of criticism from political rivals and religious devotees. Although Patra later clarified his statement as an unintentional slip of the tongue, the backlash from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress has been significant.

The Controversial Statement and Immediate Backlash

The incident occurred during a media interaction following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Puri. Patra, who is the BJP candidate for the Puri seat, stated in an interview that "Mahaprabhu Jagannath is a devotee of PM Narendra Modi." This statement immediately drew sharp criticism from Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

Patnaik expressed his dismay on social media, emphasizing that Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha is revered as the Lord of the Universe, and suggesting that he is a devotee of a human being is both an insult and a blow to the faith of millions of Jagannatha devotees worldwide. Ramesh went a step further, demanding Patra's immediate disqualification from his political position.

Patra's Clarification and Apology

In response to the uproar, Patra clarified that his statement was a mistake, caused by the extreme heat, crowd, and noise during the interaction. He reiterated his respect for Lord Jagannath and explained that he had intended to say that PM Modi is a devotee of Mahaprabhu Jagannath. Patra's clarification included an emotional appeal, stating that no person in their right mind would ever suggest that a deity is a devotee of a human being. To atone for his mistake, Patra announced he would undertake a 'upvaas' (fast) to seek forgiveness from Lord Jagannath.

Political and Public Reactions

The controversy has not only led to political sparring but has also stirred significant public interest. Many devotees and political observers are closely watching the unfolding events. While some believe that Patra's apology and explanation should be accepted, others argue that such a mistake reflects poorly on a public figure and could influence public sentiment in the ongoing elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Puri, which was intended to bolster support for BJP candidates, was overshadowed by this incident. The roadshow itself saw thousands of supporters lining the streets, waving BJP's lotus symbol, amidst tight security. Following the roadshow, Modi continued his campaign trail with public meetings in Angul and Cuttack, aiming to garner support ahead of the second phase of polling in Odisha.

Implications for the BJP and Election Campaign

The timing of this controversy is critical, given the ongoing election season in Odisha. Patra, who previously lost the 2019 elections from Puri, is under significant pressure to perform better this time. The backlash from his statement could potentially impact his campaign negatively. The BJP's central leadership is also likely to be concerned about the potential fallout from this incident, as it could affect their overall performance in the region.

Conclusion: Moving Forward Amid Controversy

As the political drama unfolds, the BJP will need to navigate the repercussions of Patra's statement carefully. Balancing damage control with maintaining campaign momentum will be crucial for Patra and his party. Meanwhile, the response from religious devotees and political rivals underscores the deep cultural and spiritual sensitivities involved in the issue.

In summary, while Patra's clarification and decision to fast for forgiveness may pacify some critics, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the significant impact of words, especially when they touch upon deeply held religious beliefs. As the elections proceed, all eyes will be on how this controversy influences voter sentiment and the broader political landscape in Odisha.

Also read : PGIM India Asset Management plans to double its AUM to Rs. 50,000 crore (US$ 6 billion) within 2-3 y

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Controversy Over BJP Leader Sambit Patra's Slip of Tongue Involving Lord Jagannath and PM Modi

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