Odisha Demands Apology as AliExpress Doormat Featuring Lord Jagannath Sparks Outrage

speedy Summary

• A controversy arose in Odisha after products featuring Lord jagannath’s image were sold as doormats on Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress.
• Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida called the act “offensive” and demanded a removal of the listing along wiht an apology from the platform.
• Parida took to X, stating that Lord Jagannath is deeply connected to Odia culture and emotion. She condemned AliExpress for disrespecting religious sentiments.
• In response, AliExpress removed the product listing and issued a statement appreciating community input that helps improve content checks on its platform.
• Congress MLA Sofia Firdous also criticized the act,describing it as an insult to millions of devotees. She called for immediate action against such listings and demanded a public apology from AliExpress.
• Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Pattnaik expressed his outrage, urging devotees worldwide to protest regarding this offensive material.
• Amar Patnaik, former MP and BJD leader, termed it a desecration of sacred iconography while emphasizing respect for Hindu symbols. He called for those responsible to be held accountable.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The incident highlights ongoing sensitivity around cultural and religious representations in global commerce.The sale of products bearing Lord Jagannath’s image as doormats emerged as especially provocative given his sacred role in Odia worship traditions. Public backlash from prominent figures like Deputy CM Pravati Parida reflects deep-rooted reverence towards cultural icons among Indian communities.

AliExpress’s prompt removal of the offending product demonstrates how platforms may respond under societal pressure but also underscores ongoing gaps in content regulation frameworks that monitor culturally sensitive materials globally. For india at large-and particularly states like Odisha-this serves as another reminder about vigilance over digital platforms where cultural symbols can potentially be misrepresented or commodified without proper oversight.

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