Puri: In a significant move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which recently formed the government in Odisha, has fulfilled its election promise by opening all four gates of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
This marks the first time since 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic began, that all gates have been opened to devotees.
Previously, only the Singhadwara (Lion Gate) was accessible, while the other three gates—Ashwa Dwara (Horse Gate), Vyaghra Dwara (Tiger Gate), and Hasti Dwara (Elephant Gate)—remained closed.
In its manifesto for the assembly elections, the BJP had pledged to open all gates of the temple if it came to power. Keeping this promise, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi made the decision in his first cabinet meeting on Thursday.
Additionally, Chief Minister Majhi announced a budget of Rs. 500 crore for the temple, further emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing the temple’s facilities and infrastructure.