BJD Slams Odisha Govt Over Delay in Ratna Bhandar Inventory

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has criticised the Odisha government for what it called an unnecessary delay in conducting an inventory of the ornaments and valuables stored in Lord Jagannath’s Ratna Bhandar in Puri, raising questions about transparency and security.

Addressing the media on Monday, senior BJD leaders accused the government of “misleading the public in the name of religion” and failing to uphold its responsibility to ensure accountability in managing the temple’s treasury.

The party expressed concern that, even after the valuables were shifted back to the Ratna Bhandar following its repair on September 23, the state authorities had not initiated the long-pending inventory process.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had opened the inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar in July 2024, marking the first such access in 46 years, to carry out essential structural repairs. During that period, ornaments and other precious items from both the inner and outer chambers were moved to temporary strong rooms for safekeeping.

“The government owes a clear explanation to devotees and the public about the delay in the inventory process and the security of the treasures,” a BJD spokesperson said, demanding immediate action to ensure transparency in the handling of temple assets.

The Ratna Bhandar, considered one of the most sacred and secure treasuries in the country, houses gold, silver, and precious stones offered to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra over centuries.