The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Assam): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, campaigning in Odisha, promised that the BJP would ensure the missing key of the Ratna Bhandar at Puri’s Jagannath Temple is found if the party is voted into power. Sarma’s remarks came during a series of election rallies in Brajarajnagar, Jharsuguda, Bonai, Sundargarh, Attabira, Bargarh, and Jatni, Khurda district.
Expressing his dismay, Sarma noted, “Whenever I come to Odisha, I feel sad because someone has grabbed the key of Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath temple even though Odisha is a ‘Hindu state’.” He highlighted the norm of preparing an inventory of the Ratna Bhandar’s valuables every three years, criticizing the current government for failing to maintain it and losing the key.
Sarma singled out V.K. Pandian, Secretary to the Chief Minister, questioning his commitment to the Hindu faith and urging him to find the key by June 10. “If Pandian is unable to find Ratna Bhandar’s key before June 10, the BJP will find it after forming the government here,” Sarma asserted.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai and Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav also participated in the campaign, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s achievements and condemning violence against BJP workers. Sai lauded Modi’s efforts in empowering women and providing essential services like toilets and piped water supply.
Yadav, campaigning in CM Patnaik’s home turf of Hinjili, condemned the killing of a BJP worker by alleged BJD goons, calling for strict action against those responsible. He emphasized the party’s readiness for victory in Odisha.
Union Minister Faggan Singh Kulaste echoed the sentiment, claiming that the people of Odisha are ready for a “double-engine” BJP government, which he asserted would bring employment opportunities in local industries.