Odisha Govt Defends Performance, Seeks Uniform Jagannath Traditions Abroad

Responding to the controversy over ISKCON's observance of Rath Yatra outside the traditional schedule, a senior Odisha minister stated that the state government has no direct control over religious events organized abroad. However, he emphasized that no untimely Rath Yatra is being conducted anywhere within India. The minister said that while the Odisha government, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), and the Central Government have expressed concern over such practices, there is no mechanism to directly regulate the activities of ISKCON temples outside the country. He urged Jagannath temples across the world to follow the rituals, traditions, and religious practices of the Puri Jagannath Temple. On allegations that the government has taken policy U-turns, the minister strongly rejected the claim, asserting that the BJP government has remained committed to its election manifesto. He claimed that nearly 60 percent of the promises made in the election manifesto have been fulfilled within just two years.

Taking a swipe at the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the minister said the opposition party is struggling to come to terms with its loss of power after being in government for a prolonged period. He alleged that the party is facing an identity crisis and suggested that it should focus on introspection rather than criticizing the government. The remarks come amid an ongoing political debate over the BJP government's two-year performance report and opposition allegations regarding unfulfilled promises.