‘ISKCON was granted permission for institutional complex’

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jan 20:

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has been granted permission to construct an institutional complex on a construction area measuring 17, 903 sq ft in Puri, clarified secretary Urban Development department of the Odisha government G Mathivathanan here today.

Similarly, permission was granted to ISKCON for G-2 level construction though they had sought permission for construction of a G-6 level structure, he added.

The secretary further stated that there were complaints in May last year with regard to allotment of land to ISKCON and show cause notice has been served to them. They have been asked to personally appear on January 29 in the matter and Puri-Konark Development Authority (PKDA) has further asked them to stop construction till the matter is resolved, he added.

ISKCON’s move to construct Jagannath temple at Puri has been criticized by leaders across political affiliations.

“ISKCON has constructed several Jagannath temples abroad and also inside the country. But Shree Mandir at Srikshetra is different because it is the seat of Nabhi Brahma. So construction of another Jagannath temple at Srikshetra is not plausible and it won’t be appropriate to allow that,” said Damodar Rout Minister Excise and Cooperation in his reaction on ISKCON’s plans for a second Jagannath temple in Puri.

“We have this much to say that the government will not allow diminishing of the glory and esteem of Lord Jagannath and Shree Mandir,” said Arun Sahu, Law Minister speaking to reporters here.

“Article 311 is security of the state. The officer who has approved that project should be dismissed and criminal proceedings should be initiated against that officer,” said Tara Prasad Bahinipati, Opposition chief whip in the state Assembly and Congress MLA from Jeypore.