Bhubaneswar: The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) expressed worries regarding the security of the jewellery and valuables housed in Lord Jagannath’s Ratna Bhandar at Puri, accusing the Odisha government of misleading the public regarding religious matters. The party also voiced concerns about the prolonged delay in the inventory of these valuables, which were returned to the Ratna Bhandar after repairs completed on September 23. Previously, items from both the inner and outer chambers of the treasury had been relocated to temporary strong rooms when the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) began repairs on the inner chamber in July 2024 for the first time in 46 years.
During a press conference on Monday, BJD MP Subhashish Khuntia claimed that the BJP government’s motives were “doubtful” due to its persistent postponement of the inventory process. Khuntia highlighted that the BJP’s manifesto for 2024 promised a thorough inventory of the treasury’s assets and accused the State administration of intentionally hindering the process. He stated, “The administration delayed the conduct of the inventory with evil intentions,” and demanded that the government promptly reveal all details regarding the treasury’s contents.
He cautioned that “any further delay in the inventory of Ratna Bhandar will suggest that valuables have been stolen from the temple treasury, and the BJP government will be held accountable to the public.” The BJD MP claimed that the Central government had delayed granting ASI permission for repairs during the previous BJD administration, which had established a committee led by retired Supreme Court Justice Arijit Pasayat to manage the process. “However, after the BJP assumed power, a new committee was formed under a retired High Court judge, replacing Justice Pasayat,” he alleged.
Following the relocation of jewellery and valuables back to Ratna Bhandar after its repairs, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan indicated that the inventory would be conducted in the presence of experts from the Reserve Bank of India. The RBI has also provided the names of its experts, and the inventory process would adhere to the guidelines set by the State government.