Police on Tuesday detained Shree Jagannath Sevayat Sammilani (SJSS) secretary Somanath Khuntia for opposing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s visit to the Jagannath Temple here on Wednesday.
Khuntia had said that Banerjee’s visit to the temple would hurt the sentiments of the devotees of lord Jagannath because she has made statements in support of beef consumption.
Hindus and other devout people are only allowed to enter the shrine, said Khuntia, known to be a BJP supporter.
“Non-Hindus and people eating beef are not allowed entry into the temple. We will decide whether to allow the Chief Minister or not for darshan of the deities only after she takes a clear stand on the issue,” he added.
On the other hand, Jagannath Temple Badagrahi Jagannath Swain Mohapatra said that during the BJP’s national executive meet, many VVIPs and VIPs had darshan of lord Jagannath. So, Mamata Banarjee should also be allowed entry into the temple
BJP State president Basanta Panda said the Puri temple is open for all Hindus. “Mamata Banerjee can also seek the blessings of lord Jagannath,” he added.
Notably, the Trinamool Congress supremo had earlier said that many minorities, Christians and tribals consume beef. It’s an individual choice and no one should oppose that.