Never Eaten Beef, practicing Hindu: YouTuber Kamiya Jani clarifies amid BJP vs BJD row

Bhubaneshwar: Youtuber Kamiya Jan on Sunday clarified that stating that she is a practicing Hindu and has never "consumed or promoted" beef. 

Her clarification came after a political row erupted earlier this week where BJP accused the BJP led state government of giving entry to a "beef consumption promoter".

In a video on her Instagram page, she said,  "My motive behind going to Jagannath was to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath and present information about the temple's infrastructure. I am a practicing Hindu. I have never eaten beef, and don't promote it ever."

"In the wake of the recent controversy, it is important that I put out real facts and the truth. This one incident, in no way, will shake my pride in my country and its rich culture. I am and will always be a proud Indian," she added. 

A controversy erupted after Jani posted a video showcasing Shree Jagannath's culture.

VK Pandian, a former bureaucrat who is now a leader of the BJD, was also featured in the video discussing the significance of "Mahaprasad," the continuing historic corridor project, and other issues related to temple construction.

The BJP charged the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader of facilitating the entry of Jani, who is accused of promoting beef consumption on a YouTube channel, in the 12th century shrine where the entry of non-Hindus is prohibited.

"The sacred sanctity of Puri Srimandir, rich with historical and spiritual heritage, has been shamefully disregarded by VK Pandian, the chairman of 5T, who callously allowed a beef promoter into the revered premises of Jagannath Mandir. Those responsible must face swift and severe consequences," wrote the Odisha unit of BJP in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The post also featured photos of Jani at a restaurant which serves beef.

The 35-year-old creator explained that the images were taken from a video she shot while visiting a restaurant in Kerala that was founded by two truck drivers and is well-known for its beef dish.

"Screenshots of one such video of mine, which was shot in Kerala, are being used. The story was about two truck drivers who started a outlet in Kerala and their beef dish has become a hit. Since I do not eat beef, I had veg black chana curry, rice appam and banana fritters," Jani said.

"There are various other videos I have made about local cuisines, but that does not mean I eat it all. I hope this clarification reaches the people who were hurt by the misunderstanding," she added.

The BJD had hit back at the BJP saying that several of their party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promoted Kamiya Jani's documentary on Hindu heritage and temples.