TV
A high-level meeting aimed at resolving the ongoing dispute at the Lingaraj temple has ended without a conclusion. Convened at the residence of the Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, the meeting was held in the presence of the Endowment Commissioner, the Khordha District Collector, and the Secretary of the Law Department
The meeting will be held again in the presence of the ‘Brahmana Nijogs’ as they were absent during the high-level meeting. Khordha District Collector confirmed that a Trust Board meeting is scheduled for this afternoon in an effort to seek a resolution.
The conflict among the sevayats has spread uproar among devotees who condemned the act and demanded action against the sevayats.
Also Read: Lord Lingaraj goes hungry for third consecutive day as dispute between servitors continues
“Lord Lingaraj has been in hunger for the last three days. It is because of the sevayats that Lord Lingaraj has to remain empty stomach. This is highly condemnable. I call upon the administration to take stringent action in this connection,” an angry devotee said.
Meanwhile, the Law Minister has issued a stern warning, indicating that strict measures may be enforced if the situation necessitates, following a thorough evaluation of the developments.
“We have called the Nijogs to bring out a solution in the presence of the MLA Babu Singh, District Collector and Principal Secretary Law. This is highly condemnable. If there was indeed any problem, they could have just sat together and come up with a resolution. Just stopping the rituals of Lord Lingaraj is highly condemnable,” the Law Minister Harichandan said.
Meanwhile, the temple's religious ceremonies are suspended for three days amidst the dispute, leaving devotees facing uncertainty.
The conflict appears to have worsened, particularly concerning the roles of the temple priests. The Chief of the Badu Nijog has highlighted that offensive personal claims were made against them recently. The Badus have demanded an apology from the Brahmana Nijog and are poised to take their own action, should no reconciliation occur.
