Social media influencer Kamiya Jani’s trip to the Jagannath temple in Odisha, hosted by the chief minister’s close aide VK Pandian, has caused an uproar with the ruling BJD and the opposition BJP engaged in a war of words. Jani, who goes by Curly Tales, made a video highlighting Shree Jagannath culture that seems to have backfired as the saffron party raised questions on how a “beefeater” was granted access to the 12th century shrine in Puri.
In the video, bureaucrat-turned-BJD leader Pandian is speaking on the importance of ‘Mahaprasad’, the ongoing heritage corridor project and other aspects linked to temple development. The Jagannath temple prohibits the entry of non-Hindus and, hence, the BJP questioned as to how an alleged promoter of beef consumption could be allowed.
Jani, too, was forced to respond as the controversy escalated and clarified that she has never eaten beef. In an Instagram post, she said: “As an Indian, my mission is to take Indian culture and heritage to the world. I have been visiting all the jyotirlingas and char dhams of India and what a privilege it’s been. Woke up to this strange article in the newspaper questioning my visit to Jagannath temple. Not that anyone has reached out to me but just here to clarify that I don’t and have never eaten Beef. Jai Jagannath.”
The Shree Jagannath temple Administration (SJTA) also clarified that there was no truth in the allegations against Jani. “The allegation made by a certain political party about YouTube influencer taking a camera to the temple premises is completely baseless. There is no truth in this. If anyone has any evidence, if they present it, it will be investigated and necessary action will be taken.”
Earlier, during a press conference, Odisha BJP general secretary Jatin Mohanty said the incident has hurt the religious sentiment of Hindus. He also alleged that a video camera was used on the temple premises, which is banned by the SJTA.
Mohanty demanded that the SJTA should register a case against Pandian and Jani, under IPC Section 295A (for hurting religious sentiment of people). He further alleged that Pandian facilitated Jani’s entry into the temple. “Social media influencer Kamiya Jani is a promoter of beef consumption. As per the law of Srimandir, no beef-eater could enter the temple without prayaschita (penance). Pandian has facilitated the entry of Jani into the temple. The incident has hurt the sentiments of crores of Hindus and devotees of Lord Jagannath,” Mohanty said.
While Pandian himself was not available for a comment, the BJD hit back at the BJP in a press conference. It said the opposition party was making a baseless allegation and accused it of being intolerant over the development of the temple.
The BJD also clarified that Jani had taken ‘Mahaprasad’ at ‘Radha Ballav Mutt’ (monastery) and not inside the temple premises. “Camera was not allowed inside the temple premises,” said the BJD. “Let Lord Jagannath bless the BJP leaders to overcome their narrow mindset,” the party added.
(With PTI inputs)
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