Gajapati Maharaj voices concern over rush inside Puri Srimandir 

Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb expressed concerns over the unprecedented rush inside Puri Srimadir during the darshan of deities. 

During a special interview with OTV, the Puri King said that the outer infrastructure development of Srimadir is for smooth movement of devotees and easing the rush, but it has become essential to streamline the arrangements for devotees inside the Srimandir, particularly in Jagamohan and Natamandap, and the temple administration should lay emphasis on it. 
“We have discussed the issue at the temple managing committee. We hope the temple administration will take urgent steps to streamline things in Jagamohan and Natamandap," he said.

As for Arpan Rath, the Gajapati Maharaj said, “It can’t be termed as Rath Yatra. This is part of a publicity campaign which is being done at the government level. Our Srimandir Managing Committee has not been part of the Arpan Rath programme. Perhaps, they are doing it at the government level for publicity of the inauguration of the Srimandir Parikrama project.”

Also Read: Stage set for inauguration of Srimadir Parikrama project tomorrow

Commenting on the politics going on over the inauguration of the Srimandir Parikrama project, the Puri King said, “It is not wise for anyone to do politics and there is no need for politics pertaining to the works of Lord Jagannath and propagation of Jagannath culture. The work of Prabhu Jagannath is the work of all political parties. It is the responsibility of all devotees and lovers of the Jagannath culture to carry on his work.”

On the controversy over YouTuber Kamiya Jani’s entry into Srimandir, the Gajapati Maharaj said, "If the allegation that someone is consuming ‘beef’ is true, then why should we take such a person inside the temple.”