Dharmendra draws flak for comparing 'Chhera Panhara' with Swachh Bharat

Bhubaneswar: Demanding apology from Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for comparing the 'Chhera Panhara' ritual (sweeping of the three chariot floors of the holy Trinity with a golden broom by Puri King during Rath Yatra) with 'Swachh Bharat' programme, Odisha Law Minister Pratap Jena today said that such a comparison is an insult of Odia culture and tradition.

"Pradhan comparing 'Chhera Panhara' ritual with 'Swachh Bharat abhiyan' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an insult of Jagannath culture & tradition. The Union minister should apologise for his remarks," said Jena.

Responding to Jena's statements, Pradhan said that the State minister should not try to divert the attention of people from the real issue of disappearance of the Ratna Bhandar key.

"Devotion is a matter of individual preference & no one needs BJD's advice. The party leaders are making such statements to cover their own inefficiency and trying to divert people's' attention from their failure in keeping the treasury of the Srimandir safe," said Pradhan.