Puri heritage corridor row: Political slugfest starts after Aparajita Sarangi’s Srimandir visit

Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi’s visit to Srimandir amid massive protest against the Puri heritage corridor project and denial of permission by the district administration has triggered massive slugfest across Odisha.

While Opposition BJP threw their weight behind Aparajita, Congress slammed State government for the illegal construction work near Srimandir wall.

Puri MLA Jayant Sarangi said that the unlawful digging activities around Srimandir are going on without taking permission from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

“Nobody is opposing developmental work. But the construction activities are going on without permission from ASI and Aparajita is right in her observation. Though ASI has knowledge about the illegal construction activities, no action has been taken yet,” said Sarangi.

Meanwhile, Senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra slammed the State government for the illegal construction work which is posing as a threat to the 12th century shrine.

“The administration has dug some big pits near Srimandir wall without taking permission from ASI which shouldn’t have happened,” said Mishra.

On the other hand, BJD chief whip Pramila Mallick said, the government is undertaking all the construction activities following discussion with experts.

“The State administration is not taking any steps without discussion with experts. Even Gajapati and all the servitors are supporting the move by the government. Only one person is opposing the construction activities undertaken by the State government and her motive to oppose the project is not understandable,” said Mallick.

(Edited by Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)