Why is a Chinese e-commerce giant selling doormats with Lord Jagannath's image?
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Synopsis
A controversial doormat featuring Lord Jagannath's image on a Chinese e-commerce platform has sparked outrage across Odisha. Political leaders and devotees are demanding action against AliExpress for this perceived disrespect. The incident has raised questions about cultural sensitivity and foreign disrespect towards Indian deities.
Key Takeaways
- Outrage over Lord Jagannath's image on doormats.
- Political leaders demand action against AliExpress.
- Public calls for a boycott of the platform.
- Cultural sensitivity highlighted in the controversy.
- Need for stricter regulations on e-commerce sales.
Bhubaneswar, July 30 (NationPress) A significant uproar has erupted in Odisha regarding the sale of a doormat displaying the image of Lord Jagannath on a Chinese e-commerce website, prompting widespread condemnation from various segments of society and politics.
Senior BJP leader and Kendrapara MP, Baijayant Panda, expressed his outrage on Wednesday, labeling the doormat's sale as profoundly offensive.
The BJP stalwart also suggested a more extensive conspiracy behind this sacrilegious action by the Chinese entity, which has previously faced a ban in India.
He stressed the necessity for action against @AliExpress_EN to ensure it is held accountable for its disrespectful behavior.
“I am appalled to see the sacred image of Mahaprabhu Jagannath being sold as a doormat by @AliExpress_EN. As an Odia and a devotee among millions, this is intolerable. I perceive a more profound conspiracy from this Chinese e-commerce platform, which is already banned in India. This is merely the latest instance of foreign entities attempting to undermine Sanatan Dharma and insult its followers. If the seller does not retract this, decisive measures must be taken to make them regret their stance,” declared Panda.
Following the emergence of this issue, devotees of Lord Jagannath, along with political leaders, priests, and servitors from the Jagannath temple, criticized the sale of such inappropriate doormats on the Chinese e-commerce platform.
“Completely unacceptable! The portrayal of Lord Jagannath's divine image on doormats by the Chinese e-commerce giant AliExpress is a shameful affront to the Hindu Sanatan sentiments of people in Bharat and around the globe. I demand an immediate public apology and the removal of the product. Until then, I call upon not just Hindus but everyone worldwide to boycott AliExpress. We cannot allow disrespect to our deities,” stated BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar.
Congress MLA Sofia Firdous also denounced the sale of doormats featuring Lord Jagannath, describing it as a significant insult to millions of devotees.
“I strongly condemn the blasphemous act of selling doormats with the sacred image of Lord Jagannath on @AliExpress_EN. This is a serious affront to millions of devotees and an attack on cultural and religious sentiments. Immediate action must be taken to remove this listing and issue a public apology,” wrote Firdous.
Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik also called for stringent laws to prevent such disrespectful depictions of Lord Jagannath on e-commerce platforms and other digital media.
He noted that these recurring instances of disrespect towards Lord Jagannath are distressing the feelings of countless Jagannath devotees globally.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this controversy with a balanced lens. The outcry surrounding the sale of doormats featuring Lord Jagannath's image underscores significant cultural sensitivities in India. As the nation grapples with globalization and the presence of foreign entities in its markets, it becomes imperative to uphold and respect religious sentiments while fostering constructive dialogue.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the controversy involving Lord Jagannath's image?
The controversy arose when a Chinese e-commerce platform, AliExpress, began selling doormats displaying the image of Lord Jagannath. This act has been condemned by various political leaders and devotees as disrespectful.
What actions are being called for by political leaders?
Political leaders, including BJP's Baijayant Panda and Congress's Sofia Firdous, are demanding the immediate removal of the product and a public apology from AliExpress.
How has the public reacted to this incident?
The public reaction has been fierce, with calls for boycotts against AliExpress and widespread condemnation from devotees and cultural leaders.
What are the broader implications of this controversy?
This incident raises critical questions about cultural sensitivity, respect for religious sentiments, and the role of foreign entities in the Indian marketplace.
What do experts suggest to prevent such incidents in the future?
Experts advocate for stricter regulations on the sale of culturally sensitive items on e-commerce platforms to prevent disrespect and ensure cultural integrity.
