Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan informed that the second phase of the inventory process for Lord Jagannath’s ornaments from the Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Jagannath Temple is slated for April 8, 9, and 10.
In a statement to ANI, Harichandan said that this round of enumeration will focus specifically on the valuables stored within the Bahar Ratna Bhandar (outer treasury), to finish the task within the three-day window.
“The enumeration of Ratna Bhandar will start again, commencing on the 8th of this month. For the 8th, 9th, and 10th, the dates were scheduled, and I am expecting that by the end of the third day, we will be able to complete the enumeration of all the ornaments in Bahar Ratna Bhandar,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the current findings will be matched with the historical 1978 inventory, utilising modern technology such as 3D imaging and digital photography to ensure accuracy.
“We will then be able to produce a proper listing of the ornaments, matching it with the list compiled in 1978. We are taking all kinds of digital photographs, including 3D photography. The nomenclature is being identified and will be properly stored for subsequent years,” Harichandan said.
He added that the entire process is expected to be completed before the Rath Yatra.
On the law and order situation in West Bengal ahead of the state assembly elections, Harichandan remarked that the law and order situation there has reached a breaking point, pointing to a recent incident where judicial officers were reportedly stranded.
“The law and order situation has truly deteriorated in West Bengal. The Union Government is closely monitoring all these situations, and the Election Commission is also taking appropriate action in this regard,” he said.
Expressing optimism for the BJP’s performance in the neighbouring state, he added, “We believe there will be a free and fair election in Bengal this time, and we will have a very positive result that will save Bengal in the future. We are expecting the BJP to win.”
The West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with the final vote count set for May 4.
