Bhubaneswar: The state unit of BJP Monday again dragged Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik into the controversy over the missing Ratna Bhandar keys and jewellery of Jagannath
temple, Puri.
Speaking to reporters here, state BJP spokesperson Pitambar Acharaya said Naveen was accountable to the people of Odisha on the missing keys of Ratna Bhandar and also the valuable jewellery of the temple.
He said a Foundation Committee under the chairmanship of Chief Minister had been formed for the safe keeping of the jewellery donated by devotees and wanted to know how many times the panel had met during the last 18 years.
Since the Chief Minister is the chairman of the Committee, he is accountable to the people of Odisha for the jewellery of Lord Jagannath, the BJP leader alleged.
“He must explain under what circumstances permission was given to store the jewellery donated by devotees to Lord Jagannath in Nazir Khana and then in SBI,” Acharya said.
But it is very unfortunate that the CM is shying away from his responsibilities when he is the chairman of the Committee.
Acharya further said as per sections 406,409 of Prevention of Corruption Act 2013, the Chief Minister is guilty.
The surfacing of the duplicate keys of Ratna Bhandar and the non-acceptance of the FIR lodged by BJP against the Chief Minister, collector and temple administration officials have aroused suspicion over the government’s role, he added.
Reacting to the allegations, BJD spokesperson and MP Pratap Deb said, “CM is very well aware about his duty and responsibility. As for the issues related to the Puri temple, the BJP, from the very beginning, is playing politics. The government has ordered a judicial probe into the matter. But, they have not been satisfied with that. If the BJP wants more, they can explore legal option.”
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