“Odisha Cong Slams CEC Gyanesh: Jagannath Darshan Won’t Erase Sins”

December 27, 2025

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das strongly criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar after his reported suggestion that a darshan (visit) to Lord Jagannath in Puri cannot wipe away people’s sins. The comment has triggered political backlash in the state, with the Congress questioning the CEC’s judgment and appropriateness of mixing religion with official duties.

The statement comes as Gyanesh Kumar is on a three-day official tour of Odisha, which included scheduled visits to Puri’s Shree Jagannath Temple and other cultural sites.

CEC’s Odisha Tour: Religious Visit and Official Schedule

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar arrived in Odisha on December 27 for an official tour that spans through December 29. Apart from meeting election officials and reviewing electoral preparedness, Kumar included visits to heritage and cultural landmarks:

• Darshan at Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri

• Visit to Konark Sun Temple

• Tour of Raghu Rajpur village, Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves and Mukteswar Temple

The inclusion of a religious visit in his itinerary stirred controversy after the Congress leader’s comments.

Congress Leader’s Response: “Darshan Won’t Clear Sins”

Bhakta Charan Das criticized the CEC’s remarks, stating that spiritual practices like temple darshan should not be trivialized or turned into public statements that could hurt devotees’ sentiments. He emphasized that Lord Jagannath is deeply revered in Odisha, and comments about divine blessings or the erasure of sins should be handled with respect, especially by constitutional authorities.

The criticism underscores the sensitive balance between religion and politics in Odisha, where Jagannath is not only a religious figure but also a potent cultural symbol.

Political Sensitivity Around Jagannath and Public Life

The Jagannath Temple at Puri is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites and plays a central role in Odisha’s cultural identity. Historically, statements involving the deity even inadvertently have triggered strong public and political reactions. Other political controversies tied to Jagannath references have also surfaced in recent years, revealing how sensitive the issue remains in public discourse.

Impact on Ongoing Elections and Public Perception

Kumar’s tour also revolves around election preparedness in the state, with speculation the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls could soon include Odisha. His itinerary includes meetings with Booth Level Officers and election officials ahead of future electoral exercises.

The political backlash from the Congress adds another dimension to Kumar’s visit, as critics argue that constitutional figures should steer clear of comments that may be perceived as culturally or religiously insensitive.