Why Kamiya Jani's Temple Visit Went From Spiritual To Controversial Overnight?

A heated controversy has unfolded over the entry of YouTuber Kamiya Jani to the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha's Puri. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised questions, alleging that Jani, a purported promoter of beef consumption, was granted access to the 12th-century shrine. This has led to a demand for Jani's arrest under Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code, with accusations of her actions hurting the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus.

Why is Kamiya Jain being criticised?

Kamiya Jani is being criticised for hurting the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus. Odisha BJP general secretary Jatin Mohanty has voiced concerns over Jani's entry, pointing fingers at VK Pandian, a bureaucrat-turned-politician, for facilitating her visit. The BJP alleges that a video camera, banned by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), was used on the premises during Jani's visit. Mohanty contends that a case should be registered against Jani and Pandian under Section 295 of the IPC for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of the community.

The BJP also claims that Jani's previous video, where she was seen eating beef, is contradictory to the principles of the Jagannath temple, where beef consumption is strictly prohibited.

BJP's Allegations and Demand for Arrest

 BJP made this allegation after a video of Jani interacting with bureaucrat-turned-politician VK Pandian surfaced. In the video, she was tasting the 'Mahaprasad', talking about its importance, the ongoing projects, and the development of the temple. 

"I don't and have never eaten Beef": Kamiya Jani

After the controversy escalated, Jani took to Instagram to confess that she never consumed beef. She wrote, "As an Indian, my mission is to take Indian culture and heritage to the world. I have been visiting all the Jyotirlingas and Char Dhams of India, and what a privilege it’s been. I woke up to this strange article in the newspaper questioning my visit to Jagannath Temple. Not that anyone has reached out to me, but just to clarify that I don’t and have never eaten beef. Jai Jagannath."

Temple trust and BJD speak in support of Jani

However, the temple trust and BJD party have come in support of Jani. The temple trust said that there is no truth in the claim that the camera was taken inside the temple premises. Moreover, the BJD accused the BJP of being intolerant of the temple's development. It also clarified that Jani had the Mahaprasad at Radha Ballav 'Mutt' (monastery), not inside the temple, which means the filming was also done outside the temple.