A social and political group known as Kalinga Sena has issued a stern warning to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The organization is protesting against ISKCON for allegedly conducting the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath prematurely, which they claim goes against traditional customs and cultural practices.

Previously, the Gajapati Maharaj of Puri, Divyasingh Dev, had urged that the Rath Yatra should be organized globally in accordance with religious scriptures and rules. Kalinga Sena accuses ISKCON of disregarding this appeal. In response, Kalinga Sena activists staged a significant protest in front of the ISKCON temple in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

Under the leadership of Kalinga Sena President Hemant Rath, the activists have issued a clear warning that devotees of ISKCON will not be allowed entry into Puri during the upcoming Rath Yatra scheduled for July 16.

In a conversation with reporters, Hemant Rath stated that ISKCON has no right to operate in Odisha, as they have disrespected Gajapati Maharaj Divyasingh Dev, who is regarded as the chief servant of Lord Jagannath. He asserted that their members would ensure that no individual associated with ISKCON is present during the Rath Yatra in Puri and Bhubaneswar.

When questioned about taking the law into their own hands, he remarked that if ISKCON shows no respect for their Jagannath culture, then why should they be honored in Puri? He emphasized that ISKCON has no place there and that their activists will halt all ISKCON activities across Odisha. Hemant Rath also accused ISKCON of consistently failing to adhere to the scheduled timings for the Rath Yatra, despite repeated appeals.