Jharpada Durga Puja Samiti ‘splits into two factions’ as politics creeps in

Tensions mounted on Monday over upcoming Durga Puja celebrations in Jharpada as the committee in Bhubaneswar responsible for organising the festival has ‘split into two opposing factions’.

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Allegedly, the controversy became public after open accusations surfaced that the BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan-led faction, under the banner Jharpada Durga Puja Samiti, arranged for a grand celebration at Jharpada Melana Padia (a large ground in the locality), preparing for the traditional Durga Puja rituals.

Jagannath Pradhan-led faction was conducting the Mati Anukula rituals when the tussle erupted.

Meanwhile, the older committee has now come forward, holding a press conference under the same banner, asserting their right to organise the Puja as well.

The newly formed group, led by Jagannath Pradhan, is accused of politicising the festival, causing divisions within the community. The older faction, headed by Sridhar Jena, a local BJD leader, insists they will also conduct the Puja at a separate venue.

The political dispute threatens to overshadow the traditional spirit of the Durga Puja in Jharpada, leaving locals anxious as the festival approaches.

“There is no disturbance over the members of the committee. The persons who were members in 2011-12 are now being led by Jagannath Pradhan, who had resigned in 2014. Even at several times, our committee members had verbally asked him till 2018 to join us. However, he had been refusing to join due to his political engagements,” Sridhar Jena said while speaking to mediapersons.

Efforts to get reactions from Jagannath Pradhan’s faction have so far been unsuccessful, escalating the uncertainty around the festival organisation.