The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday took out a padayatra seeking protection of heritage and culture. The padayatra was started at Gosageswar temple and culminated at Kedaragouri temple.
Talking to media, BJP leader Samir Mohanty said, “Bhubaneswar is known as Temple City. Ponds on the premises of Sukhmeswar temple, Kotitirtha temple, Kedargouri temple, Devipada temple, Papanasini temple should be restored. Painting the walls is not called development. Restoration of ponds of these famous temples is the need of the hour. Due to Odisha government’s negligence, pond of Kedaragouri temple is lying in a state of dilapidation.”
Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal supported the BJP’s move.
BJD spokesperson Goutam Buddha Das said, “ASI is a central government agency. ASI many a times has failed to take care of ancient monuments in Odisha, be it Lingaraj temple or any other temple.”
He went on to add, “There were times when the state government had to remind ASI to look after their maintenance. The government always extends its support to the agency. Instead of holding s rally for the cause, the BJP activists should draw the attention of Union government in this regard.”