A controversy has erupted following the entry of YouTuber Kamiya Jani to Odisha’s revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raising objections over her alleged promotion of beef consumption.
The Odisha BJP has accused Kamiya Jani of advocating beef consumption and has questioned how someone with such allegations was granted access to the 12th-century shrine. Jatin Mohanty, Odisha BJP’s general secretary, has demanded Jani’s arrest under section 295 of the Indian Penal Code, citing alleged offenses of hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus.
Jani’s visit to the temple was captured in a video on her YouTube channel, featuring her interaction with VK Pandian, a bureaucrat-turned-politician associated with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The video focused on discussions regarding the significance of ‘Mahaprasad’ and the temple’s heritage corridor project. However, the BJP objected to Jani’s entry, alleging the use of a video camera within temple premises, a practice banned by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
Jatin Mohanty voiced concerns, stating, “It has been revealed that BJD leader VK Pandian, along with YouTuber Kamiya Jani, made a video regarding the tasting of ‘Mahaprasad’ at Puri Jagannath temple. Earlier, Kamiya Jani posted a video consuming beef. Beef-eaters are strictly prohibited from entering the Jagannath temple.”
Responding to the allegations, Kamiya Jani took to her Instagram story, emphasizing her mission to showcase Indian culture and heritage globally. She refuted claims of consuming beef, affirming her respect for Indian traditions.
In defense, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration refuted the claims made by a certain political party regarding the use of a camera on temple premises, dismissing the allegations as baseless. They offered to investigate any evidence presented and take necessary actions accordingly.
The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticized the BJP, accusing them of intolerance and clarified that Jani had consumed ‘Mahaprasad’ at Radha Ballav ‘Mutt,’ not within the temple premises.
The situation has escalated into a political tussle, with the BJP demanding action against Jani and the ruling BJD defending the temple’s sanctity while clarifying the circumstances of Jani’s visit.
Kamiya Jani, known for her interviews with various personalities, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Anurag Thakur, continues to face scrutiny over her visit to the revered Jagannath Temple.
Sources By Agencies