BJD MPs Delegation Meets Union Minister, Demands Withdrawal of Bylaws Relating to Lingaraj Temple

New Delhi: A delegation of MPs of Odisha’s ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today met Union Minister Prahlad Joshi demanding withdrawal of the controversial by-laws relating to Lingaraj Temple.

The delegation of BJD Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members met the Union Minister and placed demand that the Centre withdraw the by-laws relating to Lingaraj Temple.

The development takes place a day after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged the Centre to immediately withdraw the National Monuments Authority (NMA) draft bylaws on Ananta Basudev and Brahmeswar Temple of Ekamra Kshetra here.

“The Central Govt should immediately withdraw the National Monuments Authority Draft Bylaws on Ananta Basudev & Brahmeswar Temple of EkamraKshetra. It would have been appropriate for the Central agencies to take the State into confidence on sensitive religious issues”, the Chief Minister said.

He also appealed to all the MPs from Odisha to take up this sensitive matter with the Union Government as it involves the sentiments of lakhs of devotees of Odisha, lives and livelihood of sebayats, linked to the smooth conduct of Nitis of Lord Lingaraj.