BHUBANESWAR / PURI : The Jagannath temple administration at Puri, criticised by the Supreme Court for exploitative behaviour of servitors, was embroiled in fresh controversy for alleged misconduct on the part of some servitors towards President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind during their visit to the temple on March 18.
The Rashtrapati Bhawan has conveyed its displeasure to the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) after the President and First Lady had to face unpleasant situation caused by the servitors. The SJTA has ordered a probe into the incident.
The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of the SJTA where its members expressed concern over such behaviour of the servitors. The copy of the meeting’s resolutions was made public by some members.
The resolutions stated that a large number of VIPs were coming to the temple and it was difficult to ensure smooth darshan of the deities for them. While the President and his wife were offering prayer at the Ratnasimhasan (the pedestal on which the Trinity are seated), some servitors did not give them adequate space. Even they brushed against the President and his wife, the resolutions added.
According to sources, the SJTA has ordered an inquiry to identify the three servitors involved in the incident and show-cause notices may be issued to them. Chief Administrator of SJTA Pradipta Mohapatra said since it was breach of protocol, Collector and SP of Puri have been directed to inquire into the incident and submit a joint report.
He, however, denied that the President and the First Lady were misbehaved. “During discussion with servitors, it was learnt that some uninvited servitors had come inside the temple and one of them had gone close to the President,” he said.