Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a roadshow in Puri following his visit to the Lord Jagannath temple. BJP candidate Sambit Patra, in a media interview, made a controversial statement implying that Lord Jagannath is a devotee of PM Modi, leading to criticism from the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Patra later apologized for his remark and announced a three-day fast as atonement. The BJD capitalized on the issue, publishing a full-page ad with Patra's written apology.
