The Odisha government sought clarification from the Centre on Wednesday if activities outside the Jagannath temple in Puri could be permitted during coronavirus lockdown, as it is in a fix whether to allow the construction of chariots for the annual Rath jatra.
The move comes two days after the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) sought its permission to go ahead with the chariot construction outside the temple premises, as uncertainty loomed over holding of the famous festival on June 23.
"We have sought clarification from the Centre on whether to allow chariot construction during the lockdown period," Law Minister Pratap Jena told PTI.
Jen said the clarification was required as the lockdown had been imposed by the Union Home Ministry till May 17.
Opposition parties, servitors and religious heads criticised the state government for the delay in granting permission for the chariot making.
"There is no need to seek permission from the Centre. The state is capable of allowing the activities in green zone," BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra said.
State Congress president Niranjan Patnaik said the BJD government should take a decision without delay. "We will accept whatever decision the state takes keeping in view the public health in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
The temple servitors, however, expressed resentment over the state government's act of prolonging the process.
"There should be no delay in the Lord's work. Say yes or no," said Binayak Dasmohapatra, a senior servitor in Puri temple. "Making delay in taking decision is creating confusion among crores of Hindus."
"We have already lost 10 working days. The chariot construction work should have been started from 'Akshaya Tritiya' (April 26)," Mohapatra said. "I can't see a possibility of conducting Rath jatra this time."
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