Guwahati, 17th May: In a series of election rallies across Odisha, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pledged that the BJP would ensure the recovery of the missing key to the Ratna Bhandar at Puri’s Jagannath temple if the party is voted to power in the state.
Sarma addressed gatherings in Brajarajnagar (Jharsuguda), Bonai (Sundargarh district), Attabira (Bargarh), and Jatni (Khurda district) on Thursday. He expressed his disappointment over the missing key and criticized the current state government. “Whenever I come to Odisha, I feel sad because someone has grabbed the key of Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath temple even though Odisha is a ‘Hindu state’. As per norms, an inventory of valuables in the Ratna Bhandar should be prepared every three years. But, forget about inventory, the key of the Ratna Bhandar is missing,” he said.
He specifically targeted Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his aide V.K. Pandian, questioning their efforts to resolve the issue. Sarma added, “While Naveen-babu is sitting idle, no one knows what Pandian is doing. I don’t know if Pandian is a Hindu. If he is a Hindu, he should find the Ratna Bhandar’s key.” He further asserted that if the key is not found by June 10, the BJP will locate it after coming to power.
Highlighting the historical significance of Hindu contributions to India, Sarma emphasized, “No one can do injustice to Hindus because the Hindus have built India. Hindus have served the nation for 5,000 years and will continue to do so till the moon and sun exist.”
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai also spoke at multiple rallies, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dedication to the nation. “After Modi came to power, women were empowered, Jan-Dhan bank accounts were opened, toilets were built, and piped water supply was provided to houses,” Sai said during his speeches in Sundargarh, Bijepur (Bargarh district), and Birmaharajpur (Sonepur district).
Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav, campaigning in Hinjili (Ganjam district), condemned the recent killing of a BJP worker by alleged BJD supporters. He called for strict action against those responsible, stating, “The manner in which BJP workers are being attacked is not good for democracy.”
Additionally, Union Minister Faggan Singh Kulaste expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects in Odisha, claiming that the people have decided to form a “double-engine” government. “Once BJP forms government in the state, people of Odisha will get employment in the local industries,” Kulaste assured during a press conference.
The BJP leaders collectively emphasized the party’s commitment to addressing key issues in Odisha and promised significant improvements if given the mandate to govern the state.
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