BJP leader Sambit Patra finds himself embroiled in a political storm after inadvertently referring to Lord Jagannath as a devotee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a media interaction following the PM’s roadshow in Odisha’s Puri.
Backlash from Political Rivals: Patra’s seemingly offhand comment triggers a cascade of criticism from opposition parties, notably from Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal (BJD), who condemn the remark as disrespectful to the revered deity.
Atonement Through Fasting: In an effort to make amends for his unintended gaffe, Sambit Patra announces his decision to observe a period of fasting (Upvaas), signaling his remorse and commitment to seeking forgiveness for the unintended offense caused to devotees of Lord Jagannath.
Clarification and Apology: Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Patra issues a clarification, attributing the misstatement to the chaotic environment during the media interaction and expressing heartfelt apologies for any hurt sentiments caused by his remarks.
Swift Condemnation: Naveen Patnaik wastes no time in condemning Patra’s statement, asserting that it not only insults the sanctity of Lord Jagannath but also deeply wounds the sentiments of millions of devotees across Odisha and beyond. Other opposition leaders echo similar sentiments, intensifying the pressure on Patra and BJP.
Political Fallout: Patra’s inadvertent slip of the tongue becomes a focal point for opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, who seize the opportunity to criticize BJP’s alleged arrogance and its purported attempts to exploit religious sentiments for political gain.
Demand for Apology: In a united front, Congress, BJD, and AAP demand a formal apology from Prime Minister Modi himself, holding him accountable for the actions and statements of his party members, including Patra, in what they perceive as a deliberate attempt to demean a revered deity.
Continued Opposition: Despite Patra’s public apology and clarification, opposition parties remain steadfast in their condemnation, lodging formal complaints and accusing him of intentionally disrespecting religious sentiments for political mileage, further exacerbating tensions between political factions.
Election Ramifications: Against the backdrop of crucial elections in Odisha, the controversy surrounding Patra’s remark assumes heightened significance, potentially influencing voter sentiment and casting a shadow over BJP’s electoral prospects in the state as it grapples with the fallout from the incident.
Mitigating Fallout: As the controversy continues to simmer, BJP faces the daunting task of mitigating the political fallout from Patra’s misstep, strategizing to contain the damage and reassure voters of its commitment to respecting religious sensitivities while navigating the complexities of electoral politics in Odisha.
In essence, Sambit Patra’s unintended slip of the tongue escalates into a full-blown political controversy, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties, demands for apology, and casting uncertainty over BJP’s electoral fortunes in Odisha as it endeavors to manage the repercussions of the incident.
(With inputs from agencies)
