The servitors of the Jaganath Temple look divided over their attendance at the Rath Yatra review meeting to be chaired by the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday in Puri.
While some servitors have made up their mind to participate the CM’s meeting, some sections within the community are still divided. The Suar and Mahasuar agree to attend the review meet.
Its president Damodar Mahasuar said, “It is our duty to ensure that the grandest ritual of lords passes off peacefully. We have no personal enmity with the district Collector and the Chief Administrator of the temple.” Notably, Damodar Mahasuar was one, who initiated a revolt campaign against the Collector and the temple administration chief over issue of maltreatment to the President of India during his visit to the temple. He further added that the allegation made by the Collector has been proved to be false before the country. So they have got justice in the people’s court, he told, adding that he will withdraw the criminal case lodged in the court against Collector and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief, soon. But a suspense still shrouds over the participation of other sections in the CM meet as they are seen still aggrieved over allegation against them.
Over past two days, all Nijogs have discussed over allegations of the Collector and participation in the CM meet. While some have agreed in the interest of the temple and devotees, there was sharp contrast in some members, who don’t want to bow down until the Government takes actions against the Collector and SJTA chief for spreading a lie and defaming servitors’ community.
Notably, the CM’s review which was scheduled on Tuesday was postponed till Friday amid a boycott threat by servitors. The servitors had demanded action over false allegation made by the Collector and SJTA chief against the community.