BJP's Sambit Patra apologises for his 'Jagannath is Modi's bhakt' comment, says 'will observe fast as penance'

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra sparked controversy by suggesting Lord Jagannath is a devotee of PM Modi after a roadshow in Odisha's Puri. Patra later clarified it was a slip of the tongue, apologizing for the mistake. However, the comment led to widespread condemnation, with Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik calling it an insult to the Lord and millions of devotees. Opposition leaders also criticized the BJP, with Patra's gaffe becoming a focal point in the Odisha elections.