Ratna Bhandar row: Opposition targets BJD, demands to make Commission of inquiry report public

The Opposition BJP and Congress on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over several issues pertaining to Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove), while demanding to make the Justice Raghubir Das Commission of Inquiry report public.

Addressing media in Bhubaneswar, BJP leader Pitambar Acharya said, “The government is claiming it has a duplicate key of Ratna Bhandar for the last five years. I have serious doubts about the government's claims. The government must clarify the public soon.”

“The ASI in its affidavit has mentioned that there is a threat to Ratna Bhandar and urgent repair work is needed. Everyone is suspecting loot of valuables from Ratna Bhandar. If CM Naveen Patnaik is a true devotee of Lord Jagannath, he must clarify what steps he has taken so far to safeguard the property of the Holy Trinity,” Acharya added.

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Similarly, Congress Campaign Committee chairman Bijay Patnaik also targeted the BJD raising questions over the existence of valuables inside Ratna Bhandar.

“It is the responsibility of the government to make the Commission of Inquiry report public. The first principle of the 5T initiative is transparency. If the government really believes in transparency then the report should be made public.” Patnaik said.   

Meanwhile, the ruling BJD has said the report will be made public as per the law.

“The commission has submitted its report and as per the law it will be made available for the public,” said BJD MLA Amar Prasad Satpathy.