Action sought against Panda's friend for 'derogatory' remarks on Sun temple

Legislators of ruling BJD and opposition Congress Tuesday demanded action against one Abhijit Iyer Mitra for making derogatory remarks on the Sun Temple in Konark.

As soon as the House assembled at 10.30 am, the BJD members protested against the remarks made by Mitra, who is a friend of former parliamentarian Baijayant Panda.

The ruling party members staged a dharna in the well of the House and later near Mahatma Gandhi statue on the assembly premises.

In a video uploaded on social media, Mitra is seen criticising the 13th Century temple.

Stating that Mitra has ridiculed the Sun Temple, BJD MLA Sanjay Dasburma said, "It (Mitra's video) is an insult to the state and its existence. Action should be taken against the man (Mitra)."

Konark Sun Temple is a 13th century monument built by King Narasimhadeva I. It is renowned for intricate artwork on the walls.

 

Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra said, "There are two video clips which show a non-Odia, RSS man standing in front of Konark Temple making comments."

The Congress leader said, "It hurts the sentiments of Odisha irrespective of party and religion. He says the art and sculpture are contrary to Hindu culture. This is unwarranted and condemnable."

"Mitra should be prosecuted. Contents in the video are enough evidence to prosecute him under the law," Mishra said.

As per information available at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here, Mitra flew in along with Panada in a chopper on September 15.

BJP legislature party leader K V Singhdeo said, "He (Mitra) is not a BJP man. RSS has nothing to do with the proposed Ram Temple at Ayodhya. It is also not in BJP's agenda. Let us not do politics over it."

Speaking on BJD's protest against Mitra's remarks, Singhdeo alleged that it was a diversionary tactic of the ruling party to avoid the alleged cooperative bank scam being raised by the BJP and opposition parties.

BJP member Pradip Purohit also criticised the ruling party and accused it of trying to divert attention from the alleged scams in the House.

Apart from his video on Sun Temple, Mitra also uploaded videos of himself flying around the Sun Temple and the Jagannath Temple in Puri on social media.