Bhubaneswar, Jan. 14 -- A controversy erupted over the suspension of rituals at the revered Lingaraj Templein Bhubaneswar, with the Brahman and Badu Nijog groups accusing each other of being responsible for the disruption. The development has triggered sharp reactions from political and administrative quarters, as the issue has deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees.

Amid the ongoing blame game, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh has issued a stern warning to the temple servitors. Expressing strong displeasure over the incident, the MLA described the stoppage of Lord Lingaraj's rituals as 'extremely unfortunate' and unacceptable under any circumstances.

He made it clear that strict action will be taken against those servitors who were involved in ha...