Odishatv Bureau

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan once again targeted Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for his silence over the missing Ratna Bhadar key of Puri Srimandir.

Talking to newsmen, Pradhan stated that CM knows everything and his silence is a matter of concern as already Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal has expressed concern over the sensitive issue.

"At a time when Odisha Governor as well as people of Odisha expressed concern and from the time of opening of Ratna Bhandar following Orissa High Court's direction to the recent Supreme Court's order, CM Naveen Patnaik's silence on the issue is unfortunate," said Pradhan.

Pradhan further said that as CM knows everything and has complete data about who had the custody of the Ratna Bhandar key and what happened to it subsequently, he should present facts before the Jagannath devotees.

It is not for the first time that Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has questioned the silence of CM on the matter. Earlier, both BJD and BJP were at loggerheads  with the latter trying to corner State government on the Ratna Bhandar issue.

Reacting on Pradhan's accusation, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb stated that, "CM Naveen is a responsible person and understands the sentiments of people of Odisha."

Deb further stated that there is no available record of who has taken or handed over the Ratna Bhandar key which is an administrative affair.

"CM has already ordered for a judicial probe to find the truth and BJP is doing politics on the issue," Deb added.

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