Bhubaneswar: Amidst the growing demands for reopening of temples, Odisha Law Minister Pratap Jena on Tuesday said the State government will take an appropriate decision in this regard after taking into the current scenario of COVID-19 situation and other aspects.
On media query that several State governments have already allowed reopening of temples and other religious shrines, Jena said, “We should not compare ourselves with what other States are doing. Due to slew of stern measures, Odisha has so far been successful in efficient management of COVID-19 pandemic situation. We are aware about the desperation of people to see reopening of temples and will take necessary action at the most opportune time.”
Jena further said the COVID-19 infection rate has again gone up in Delhi due to the onset of winter. As there is a possibility of second wave in Odisha in December, the State government will take appropriate decision after reviewing the COVID-19 situation.
It is pertinent to mention here that the servitors and priests across Odisha have appealed the State government for allowing temples to reopen. They have also staged campaigns on several occasions including beating of gongs to press for their demands in the last month or so.
BJP State General Secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar on Tuesday urged the government to take a concrete decision to reopen Puri Srimandir soon. She alleged that a conspiracy has been hatched by some political leaders and individuals with vested interest to ruin the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
Be it the missing of Ratna Bhandar key or attempts to stall Rath Yatra, people of Odisha are aware of the conspirators, said Samantsinghar.
“When temples and other religious sites have already been reopened in other parts of the country, Odisha govt has shut the world-famous Jagannath temple on the pretext of Covid situation. The State government should issue necessary SOPs & reopen the shrine immediately," Samantsinghar added.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)