‘Will observe fast as penance’: BJP's Sambit Patra apologises for calling Lord Jagannath devotee of PM Modi

livemint.com:

‘Lord Jagannath Bhakt of PM Modi’: BJP's Sambit Patra sparks major controversy "This is not possible; no person in his right mind can say that God is a devotee of any human being. The mistake happened unknowingly while giving out bytes to a channel. I agree that the sentiments of some people have been hurt due to my statement, but even the lord forgives a person for committing a mistake unknowingly," said Patra.

He further clarified, "It was never my intention to commit this mistake, but still because Mahaprabhu Jagannath is the Lord of the Universe and I am an ardent devotee just like the hundreds and thousands of Odias, I feel I should convey my apology and offer penance to the Lord for a 'slip of the tongue' that occurred unknowingly." 60% updated voter turnout in phase 5 polling, slightly less than 2019 "Hence, I have decided to observe fasting as an apology," said Patra. The senior BJP leader told media, “Lakhs of people have gathered to see Modi. Lord Jagannath is a devotee (bhakt) of Modi, and we are Modi's family.

This is an unusual sight, and I am not able to control my emotions. I think it is a historic day for all Odias". He made the remark while speaking with the media during the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election and the second phase of the Odisha Assembly election.

Patra's accidental remark drew sharp criticism from Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who called it an 'insult' to the Lord. Kejriwal hits out at PM Modi for ‘sending all AAP leaders to jail’ "Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha is the Lord of the Universe. Calling Mahaprabhu a bhakt of another human being is an insult to the Lord.