An uproar was created after Congress MLA Indra Sao raised questions regarding the renovation of temples and religious sites in State Budget Session on Friday. The comment led to an sharp counter from members of the ruling party, who strongly objected to his remarks. During Question Hour, Indra Sao alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party wins elections by invoking the name of temples but fails to carry out meaningful work related to their development. His remarks triggered protests from ruling party MLAs, who asserted that the government is committed to the cause of Sanatan Dharma and actively works for the preservation and development of religious sites.

 

Indra Sao asked the government how many proposals had been received by the department for the renovation of temples and other religious places, as well as for the construction of dharmshalas in the Balodabazar–Bhatapara region. He also sought details about the funds sanctioned for these projects. Responding to the query, Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal informed the House that the department had received 74 proposals related to renovation works in the district. Out of these, approval had been granted for 16 projects, for which a total amount of Rs 78.43 lakh has been sanctioned. The issue briefly disrupted proceedings in the House as ruling party legislators objected to the allegations, leading to sharp exchanges between members of the Opposition and the treasury benches during the ongoing budget session.