Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22 (UDN): Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Tuesday strongly rejected allegations linking him or his family to land belonging to Lord Jagannath, challenging senior Congress leader Panchanan Kanungo to produce evidence in support of the claim.

The minister said he would retire from politics if it was established that even a small portion of Jagannath land was registered in his name.

Challenge Over Land Ownership Claim

Responding to the allegation, Harichandan said accusations of such a serious nature should be backed by documentary proof rather than public assertions.

“If even one inch of Mahaprabhu’s land is in my name, I will retire from political life. If they cannot provide evidence, they should apologise,” he said.

Congress Allegation Rejected

The exchange follows remarks made by Kanungo at a recent press conference, where the senior Congress leader had alleged that the Law Minister or his family should declare that no Jagannath land was registered in their name.

Harichandan dismissed the allegation as baseless and said it was inappropriate for a senior political leader to make such claims without factual support.

Minister Calls Allegation A Defamation Attempt

Describing himself as a devotee of Lord Jagannath, the minister said he regarded his current portfolio as an opportunity to serve the deity through the department under his charge.

He further alleged that attempts were being made to tarnish his reputation through false accusations and maintained that public allegations against individuals must be supported by credible evidence.