Sikkim CM Faces Backlash Over Photo Inside Puri Jagannath Temple

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has stirred controversy after posting a photo taken inside the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.

The image, reportedly captured near the shrine of the subsidiary deities, was shared on his official Facebook account during his visit to the temple on August 29.

In his post, Tamang expressed spiritual fulfillment, describing the temple as a place of peace and divine energy.

However, the act of photographing within the temple premises—where photography is strictly prohibited—has drawn criticism from devotees and cultural observers.

Following public backlash, the photo was swiftly deleted from his social media. As of now, the temple administration has not issued any official statement regarding the incident.

The CM was accompanied by senior officials including Puri District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida and SP Prateek Singh during his visit.

This episode has reignited discussions around the sanctity of temple protocols and the responsibilities of public figures in respecting religious customs.