Biswa Bhusan Mohapatra
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar: The state wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Monday urged the government to junk the proposed plan by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to construct a second Jagannath temple in Puri.
“The ISKCON has proposed to set up another Jagannath temple in Puri which militates against the tradition and culture of the 12th century shrine. It will also hurt the sentiment of Jagannath lovers,” senior BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra told media here Monday.
The foundation stone for the proposed temple had been laid November 29 last year and the plan is to build a grand structure over a 52,000-square-ft of land in line with Srimandir.
Alleging that international forces are involved in the conspiracy, the BJP leader said it would bring devastation for the state. “Every household in our state is opposing it. I request the Chief Minister and law minister to not approve the evil intention of the international outfit,” he said.
Meanwhile, BJD opposed the move, saying the state government may reject the proposal. “Building of another Jagannath temple at Puri can’t be considered. It is against the tradition and ethos of our people. I personally oppose the plan and hope the state government will reject the proposal,” BJD spokesperson Samir Das said.
ISKCON spokesperson Radhakanta Das said the detailed plan has not been finalised yet. We plan to construct a Radha Krishna temple in that place and requested the government to approve the project.