Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan commented on a widely shared video on social media featuring actor and YouTuber Kamiya Jani conversing with BJD leader VK Pandian at Puri’s famous Jagannath Temple. The video caused a stir from the BJP, who claimed that Jani was encouraging “beef.” Pradhan said that people should avoid doing anything that would offend religious people.
The popular travel and cuisine blogger was demanded to be arrested by the BJP’s Odisha unit on Friday. The unit questioned how a prominent member of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) allowed the ‘beef promoter’ to enter the hallowed site.
The Odisha-born Union minister said, “Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath holds great significance for the followers of Sanatan Dharma and all fellow Odiyas,” while speaking to reporters on Saturday. It is improper for anyone to do anything that will offend the followers of Lord Jagannath. No one should, intentionally or unintentionally, manipulate the feelings of the Odiyas and the devotees of our esteemed deity.”
General Secretary of the BJP in Odisha, Jatin Mohanty, joined the clamour calling for the influencer’s arrest, stating that she ought to be imprisoned under IPC Section 295 for ‘hurting’ Hindus’ religious emotions.
“It has come to light that BJD leader VK Pandian along with YouTuber Kamiya Jani made a video on tasting of ‘Mahaprasad’ at Puri’s Jagannath temple. The same Kamiya Jani had earlier posted a video consuming beef. Beef-eaters are strictly not allowed inside Jagannath temple,” the BJP leader said.
“We demand that a case be registered against them under Section 295 of IPC for hurting religious sentiments. We will move court if she’s not arrested,” he warned.
Mohanty alleged further that her visit to the temple was filmed on a video camera, which is banned by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). However, BJD MP Manas Mangaraj dismissed the allegations, claiming that the Union Minister was needlessly stoking a row over the incident.
“BJP government under PM Modi and Union HM Amit Shah have appointed Kamiya Jani to do films on Hindu heritage and temples. She has gone to Chardham and Ayodhya Ram Temple to see Ram Lalla too. And all of you love her for it and posted in your social media,” Mangaraj posted from his official X handle on Saturday.
