Sambit Patra's "Slip Of Tongue" That Found A New 'Bhakt' For PM Modi

As Odisha voted for the Lok Sabha and a new assembly in the Fifth Phase of election, Sambit Patra told reporters that the Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Puri, "is Modi's bhakt".

The BJP's Sambit Patra landed in a row today over a comment that hugely offended Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. As Odisha voted for the Lok Sabha and a new assembly in the Fifth Phase of election, Mr Patra told reporters that the Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Puri, "is Modi's bhakt". When the Chief Minister shot off an angry protest, Mr Patra issued a clarification, saying it was a "slip of tongue". 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.The Lord is the greatest Symbol of…

"Lakhs of people have gathered here to see PM Modi. Jagannath is Modi's bhakt and we are all PM Modi's family. I cannot control my emotions and I think today is a momentous day for all Odias," said Mr Patra, who is the candidate from Puri.

It drew an immediate condemnation from Naveen Patnaik, who is hoping for a sixth consecutive term in the state.