Sambit Patra's comment a hot topic for Odias abroad

BHUBANESWAR: Sambit Patra, BJP national spokesperson and Puri Lok Sabha candidate's "Lord Jagannath is a bhakt (devotee) of Modi" comment seems to have not only become a political issue back home, but it has also been a hot topic of discussion among Odias living abroad.

The initial reaction has been that of shock bundled with anger for many, and slowly fizzling down after Sambit clarified that it was a slip and asked for forgiveness. "I came to know about it after a friend of mine in Puri tagged me to a post. Then I watched television. No doubt it's a big mistake and he should ask for forgiveness from Lord Jagannath and the people," said Jayashree Nanda, a teacher based in UK.

As Lord Jagannath is an important part of Odia psyche and has devotees across the world, others also felt that Sambit's comment was wrong. "It was very wrong of him. We understand that it was a slip of tongue, but he should have acted more responsibly due to the post he holds in the BJP," said Sanjib Barik, a member of the Odia Association of Ireland.

Others felt Lord Jagannath should not be dragged into politics as he is "Jagatara Natha" (Lord of the world). "Let me correct Sambit Patra. Lord Jagannath is not a bhakt of Modi, but Modi is a devotee of Jagannath," said Sunanda Mishra Panda, a social worker living in Toronto, Canada.

As Sambit is known across the world for his oratory, some Odias living abroad felt that it might cost him his votes, more so because he is contesting from Puri. "We know it's a slip of tongue, but his rivals will take mileage even though he has already asked for forgiveness because people in Odisha are emotionally connected to Lord Jagannath and emotions can be fanned anytime," said Akshya Mohanty, an entrepreneur in Rhode Island, US.

While the outrage was obvious, NRIs felt that as Lord Jagannath is very forgiving, we should also do so and not drag the issue further. "Mahaprabhu forgives us easily. We should also forgive Sambit. But he should ask for forgiveness sincerely from the people," said Jayashree. Mohanty has another view to offer. "If Sambit Patra wins from Puri, it will prove that Lord Jagannath knew that he did not mean what he said," he said.