Bhubaneswar: A day after allegations surfaced about rotten and pest-infested white rice collected through Arapan Rath, the Odisha government has clarified that the Srimandir managing committee will decide on the use of the stocked rice which is stocked at Maha Suara Nijoga.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said that the rice in question is unfit for offering to the deities.
Despite warnings from his party and temple servitors that the rice was not suitable for use inside the temple, the previous BJD government proceeded with its initiative. The temple managing committee will now determine the appropriate course of action for the rice,” he said.
The Minister further said that the government is concerned about its use from the outset.
Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain said that the temple managing committee will meet in the next two days. We will also discuss with Suar and Maha Suar Nijog and take decision to use the rice for the service of the lord.
Notably, around 14,000 quintals of white rice were collected through Arpan Rath during Srimandir Parikrama Project.
