BJP's Sambit Patra apologises for his 'Jagannath is Modi's bhakt' comment, says 'will observe fast as penance' (2024)

The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) spokesperson, Sambit Patra, found himself in the midst of a political storm following a comment he made after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Odisha's Puri. Patra's remark, suggesting that Lord Jagannath, the revered deity of Puri, is a devotee of PM Modi, sparked immediate backlash and drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

During a media interaction, Patra stated, "Jagannath is Modi's bhakt," implying a divine devotion of the Lord to PM Modi. However, Patra later clarified that it was a slip of the tongue, explaining, "I aimed to highlight PM Modi's devotion to Lord Jagannath but mistakenly stated..."

"Today, a statement made by me had created a controversy. After PM Narendra Modi's roadshow in Puri, I gave byte to many media channels and everywhere I said the same thing, that PM Narendra Modi is an ardent devotee of Mahaprabhu Jagannath... In the end, when another channel took my byte, it was extremely hot, crowded and noisy. Unknowingly, while giving the byte, I said the opposite, that Mahaprabhu is a devotee of PM Narendra Modi. This can never be true, and a person in his senses can never say such things that god is a devotee of a human. I have made this mistake unintentionally. I know some people must have been hurt but even god forgives mistakes made unintentionally... I need to seek forgiveness from Mahaprabhu Jagannath for this slip of the tongue and I have decided to do a 'upvaas'," Patra said in his post on X.

Patra's gaffe was captured on camera, leading to widespread condemnation.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik swiftly condemned Patra's statement, calling it an insult to the Lord and the sentiments of millions of devotees. Patnaik emphasized, "Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha is the Lord of the Universe. Calling Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another human being is an insult to the Lord." Other opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, also criticized the BJP, with Gandhi denouncing it as a height of arrogance.

"Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha is the Lord of Universe. Calling Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another human being is an insult to the Lord. This has hurt the sentiments and demeaned the faith of crores of Jagannatha bhaktas and Odias across the world," Patnaik posted on social media.

"The Lord is the greatest Symbol of Odia Asmita. Calling Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another human being is totally condemnable. I strongly denounce the statement made by the BJP Puri Lok Sabha candidate and I appeal to the BJP to keep the Lord above any political discourse. By this you have deeply hurt Odia Asmita and this will be remembered and condemned by people of Odisha for a very long time," his post read.

In his defense, Patra apologized for his statement, attributing it to the chaotic and noisy environment. He expressed regret, stating, "This can never be true, and a person in his senses can never say such things that god is a devotee of a human." Despite the apology, opposition parties remained adamant, demanding strict action against Patra for violating the model code of conduct.

He further clarified, "It was never my intention to commit this mistake, but still because Mahaprabhu Jagannath is the Lord of the Universe and I am an ardent devotee just like the hundreds and thousands of Odias, I feel I should convey my apology and offer penance to the Lord for a 'slip of the tongue' that occurred unknowingly."

"Hence, I have decided to observe fasting as an apology," said Patra.

The Kerala unit of Congress also used this opportunity to take a jibe at the BJP. "Sambit Patra says that Prabhu Jagannath is a Bhakth of Modi. @sambitswaraj, God sends no one away empty, except those who are full of themselves," the party wrote.

The incident has become a focal point in the ongoing elections in Odisha, with Patra's gaffe potentially influencing voter sentiment.