BJP attacks Odisha govt for keeping Jagannath temple’s ornaments in bank locker

Cuttack: Odisha unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday said the Odisha government, which kept gold ornaments of Jagannath temple in bank locker, has admitted that Ratna Bhandar is not safe.

The party said by keeping ornaments in bank locker, Odisha government admitted that Ratna Bhandar (treasury of Jagannath temple) is not safe.

The party dared Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to clarify whether Shree Mandir’s Ratna Bhandar key is actually lost or intentionally misplaced.

“CM Naveen Patnaik should clarify whether Ratna Bhandar key is actually lost or intentionally misplaced. He should clear the air since it is a very sensitive issue involving the sentiments of crores of Jagannath devotees,” said BJP spokesperson Pitambar Acharya in Cuttack.

Acharya questioned how the temple administration and the state government kept the donated jewellery without making amendments to the law.

The move shows that the Ratna Bhandar is not in safe hands, alleged Acharya.

The party on Monday organized Jana Jagaran Yatra across the state over the missing keys of Ratna Bhandar.