Bhubaneswar: A BJD delegation moved the chief electoral officer (CEO), Odisha, on Friday, seeking steps to protect the sacredness and sanctity of the ‘revered conch’ on Badadanda (grand road) in Puri. The EC had ordered for keeping the conch symbol covered on the grand road at Puri after the Odisha BJP lodged a complaint with it. Conch is the party symbol of BJD.
“The spiritual city of Puri is also known as ‘Sankha Kshetra’ (land of the conch). As per the tradition and spiritual fervour, a Sankha (conch) was installed at Badadanda in Puri during the auspicious occasion of the inauguration of Srimandir Parikrama Project. Covering of that Conch has caused great pain to the devotees from across the world who are coming to Srimandir and Puri and is hurting the feelings of 4.5 crore people of Odisha,” the BJD memorandum stated.
It is an emblem of both cultural and spiritual significance, and has transcended time, retaining its mystique and relevance across Odisha’s growth and journey, it further said.
The regional party also mentioned about ‘Jodi Sankha’, the cultural logo of LAccMI scheme which was subsequently covered in buses being run in the rural areas of the state. “The BJP is so scared that it targeted the social and cultural symbolism of ‘Jodi Sankha’. It is attacking Odia pride, Odia asmita, Odia heritage, Odia culture, Odia traditions and Odia beliefs by opposing the Conch on Badadanda and the ‘Jodi Sankha’ logo,” it said.
The BJD has requested the EC to have the cover over the conch at Badadabda and ‘Jodi Sankha’ logo removed since these are linked with spiritual feeling and culture of crores of Odia people.