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Rebutting allegations that he had ‘lied’ in the Parliament in his reply to BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi’s queries on digging activities in the prohibited area surrounding the Puri Jagannath temple during the ongoing works for the Srimandir Heritage Corridor Project, BJD Puri MP Pinaki Mishra claimed there has been no violation of the ASI guidelines.
"The construction works are being carried out as per the permission granted by ASI officials and NMA's No Objection Certificate (NOC). However, due to a lack of time in the Parliament, I was only able to state about toilet construction. But, as per the NOC, construction of cloakroom, mini-cloak room and shelter room is permitted," said Mishra.
He further added, "The DG, ASI had visited the site for inspection in March and had submitted his report.”
Quoting the report, the BJD MP said, “The concept plan of the State government aims to provide amenities and beautify the entire surrounding of the temple. The proposed amenities fall within the prohibited area of the temple. Since these amenities are required for devotees it was agreed that this may be allowed. ASI would work in coordination with the State government on the design so that there is no visual impact on the main temple."
Sarangi had charged on Thursday that different construction works in the vicinity of the 12th-century Shrine in Puri are being carried out without the permission of the National Monument Authority (NMA) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Meanwhile, Mishra took a dig at his detractors by saying, "Many people have 'crab mentality' and neither they will do something or let anyone do."
Reacting to Mishra’s clarifications, BJP MP Sarangi said, "I respect him (Pinaki Mishra) a lot as a senior parliamentarian. Regarding the matter, after giving a statement in the Lok Sabha, it should not be discussed elsewhere. I was surprised to hear his statement today that was streamed on a media channel.”
Sarangi added, "The letter he showcased is just a letter and not a NOC. The NMA's NOC format is different which includes plans, elevation and other details. Moreover, it is NMA's letter and not ASI's. I will repeat my stand. No construction works can be carried out within 100 meters of the Shrine. For any other repairing works, the permission of ASI DG is essential."
Meanwhile, Mishra also alleged that OTV has been presenting him as a liar. He attributed motives to the airing of the news.
Junking the motives made by BJD MP, OTV says we follow a charter very diligently. We have the responsibility of maintaining the highest standard of professionalism and ethics.
"Since, it is the channel's responsibility to bring every piece of news in a free, fair and unbiased manner. Based on such ethics, OTV had presented the matter from both the aspects. OTV hasn't intentionally targeted MP Mishra or anyone else," the channel maintains.
