According to the protesters, they have been raising the issue for the past 142 days. However, as their grievances have allegedly remained unresolved, they have now decided to continue the agitation round the clock until their demands are addressed.
Thousands of devotees visit the Sri Jagannath Temple every day to have darshan of Mahaprabhu. The protesters have questioned the arrangements being made for different categories of visitors. They alleged that special facilities are available for VIPs and VVIPs inside the temple, while special arrangements are also made at the western gate to facilitate temple entry for servitors accompanying their passengers.
The protesting residents have raised the question of why similar consideration is not being given to the people of Puri, who have a long-standing association with the temple and regularly visit Mahaprabhu for darshan.
The protesters are demanding a simple, accessible and convenient darshan arrangement for local residents. They have also appealed to the administration to immediately intervene and resolve the issue.
The protestors said their agitation is not against devotees or the temple administration, but is aimed at drawing attention to what they describe as the genuine difficulties faced by local residents while seeking darshan.
The protesters have made it clear that they will continue their "24-hour protest in front of the western gate" until the administration takes concrete steps to fulfill their demands.
The ongoing agitation has once again brought the issue of darshan arrangements and equal access for local residents at the Sri Jagannath Temple into focus.
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