Puri, Odisha:A controversy has erupted surrounding the entry of YouTuber Kamiya Jani to Shree Jagannath Temple, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raising concerns about the alleged promoter of beef consumption being granted access to the 12th-century shrine. The Odisha BJP general secretary, Jatin Mohanty, has demanded Jani’s arrest under section 295 of the Indian Penal Code, accusing her of hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus.
In a video posted on her YouTube channel, Jani is seen interacting with VK Pandian, a bureaucrat-turned-politician associated with the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Pandian is considered a successor to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The video covers discussions on ‘Mahaprasad,’ the ongoing heritage corridor project, and other aspects linked to temple development.
The BJP alleges that VK Pandian facilitated Kamiya Jani’s entry into the temple and raised objections to the use of a video camera on the temple premises, which is reportedly banned by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
Jatin Mohanty stated, “We have urged that a case should be registered against them under 295 IPC for hurting the religious sentiments of a community. If they are not arrested, then we will approach the court.”
In response, Kamiya Jani clarified on her Instagram, “I don’t and have never eaten Beef. Jai Jagannath.”
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) refuted the claims made by the BJP, stating, “The allegation made by a certain political party about YouTube influencer taking a camera to the temple premises is completely baseless. There is no truth in this. If anyone has any evidence, if they present it, it will be investigated and necessary action will be taken.”
The ruling BJD, in a press conference, accused the BJP of becoming intolerant over the development of the temple and clarified that Jani had taken ‘Mahaprasad’ at Radha Ballav ‘Mutt’ (monastery) and not inside the temple premises.
Kamiya Jani has interviewed several celebrities and politicians, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Union minister Anurag Thakur.
