On invitation, delegates from BJP, BJD, Congress, religious and

social groups, servitors of Jagannath Temple, officials of ASI and OBCC, VHP, lawyers, journalists, social activists on Tuesday met

Sanakarachayra Swami Nischilananda Saraswati and put forth their opinions, grievances and suggestions relating to the controversial Parikrama project for the Jagannath Temple.

Among the delegates, Gajapati Dibyasingha Dev, Aryakumar Jnanendra, Prof Prafulla Rath, Anil Dhir, Lenin Mohanty and Biranchi Narayan Tripathy attended a brainstorming discussion. Saraswati patiently heard their opinions and grievances on the project works. He advised both the ASI and State Government to work in accordance with law with topmost priority on safety of the shrine.

The development came after displeasure was expressed by Saraswati that the State Government was not taking opinions of a cross-section of people on the project. He had said that in the name of beautification, Jagannath Dham was turning into a place for seeking enjoyment.Gajapti Dev who had visited the mutt also apprised the seer in the meeting of the long holes dug for project. Heritage researcher  Anil Dhir said that the Guruji was mostly unaware of many difficulties already going in name of beautification.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra demanded a CBI probe into the project. He also said it is now duty of the Centre to form an expert committee for protection of the temple.

One Hemant Panda from Balangiri, who had sought information through RTI Act, received a reply from the National Monument Authority (NMA) that it has given no permission to the project.