In a swift fulfillment of an election promise, Odisha's newly sworn-in BJP government has taken decisive action by reopening all four gates of the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. This landmark decision was unanimously approved during the government's inaugural Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who assumed office recently, affirmed the decision following the Cabinet's deliberation. "We have successfully initiated the reopening of all four gates of the Jagannath Temple as promised. This morning, accompanied by my fellow MLAs and Puri MP Sambit Patra, we participated in the 'Mangala aarti'," reported news agency ANI.

The move comes in response to longstanding grievances voiced by pilgrims, who faced difficulties entering the temple premises after the gates were closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic during the previous BJD-led administration.

In addition to reopening the gates, the new government has allocated substantial funds for the temple's development and conservation. A significant corpus fund has been earmarked for these purposes, underscoring the administration's commitment to preserving Odisha's cultural heritage.

The ceremonial presence of Chief Minister Majhi, alongside MPs Sambit Patra and Pratap Chandra Sarangi, at the Mangala aarti symbolizes the government's proactive stance in addressing public concerns and advancing cultural initiatives integral to the state's identity.

The reopening of all gates marks a pivotal moment for devotees and signifies the BJP government's swift action in implementing key electoral promises, setting a positive tone for its governance agenda in Odisha.