In the widely shared video, Patra is heard declaring that Lord Jagannath is a bhakt (devotee) of Prime Minister Modi while speaking to a private Odia channel.
The remarks made by the BJP leader provoked strong criticism from the party’s adversaries, notably the Biju Janata Dal of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Disparaged confidence: Patnaik hits out at Patra’s assertion
Responding to the video, Patnaik said, “Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha is the Master of Universe. Considering Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another individual is an affront to the Master. This has harmed the sentiments…demeaned the confidence of crores of Jagannatha bhaktas and Odias across the world.”
Calling Ruler Jagannath the best image of Odia asmita (pride), Patnaik hit back at Patra’s assertion.
“You have profoundly harmed Odia Asmita…this will be recollected and censured by individuals of Odisha,” he said.
Kejriwal, Congress hit out at Patra
Aam Aadmi Party boss Arvind Kejriwal likewise reprimanded Patra, considering his comment an “affront to God.”
“I…condemn this assertion of BJP. They have begun imagining that they are above God,” he said.
The Congress additionally hit out at the BJP over Patra’s comment.
“This assertion has harmed the confidence of crores of lovers. Sambit Patra, who is drenched in Modi Bhakti, shouldn’t have committed this transgression. Narendra Modi himself ought to apologize,” a post on party’s X handle said.
Patra’s explanation and reparation for dubious remark
Patra later explained his comments, saying that it was a slip of tongue.
Answering to Patnaik’s post on X, Patra stated, “Naveen Ji Namaskar! I gave number of bytes today…everywhere I referenced that Modi ji is a fervent “Bhakt” of Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu. Accidentally during one of the bytes I articulated the polar opposite.”
“Sir, we should not make an issue out of a nonexistent issue. We as a whole have ‘slip of tongue’ at times. Much obliged and Pranam,” he added.
Patra to quick to ‘apologize’ for his mix-up
He then included in a video X that he would quick for three days to apologize for his slip-up.
“Today, I’m profoundly disturbed by the error I have made with respect to Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath Ji,” an unpleasant interpretation of Patra’s post in Hindi read.
“I kneel at the feet of Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath Ji and ask for absolution. I will quick for the following three days to address my misstep and atone,” he added.