Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress’ doormat with Lord Jagannath picture sparks outrage; Odisha calls for apology

A significant controversy erupted in Odisha because it got here to gentle that Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress was promoting doormats that includes the picture of Lord Jagannath.

The State’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida criticised as “offensive” the act of printing the picture of Lord Jagannath on doormats and promoting the merchandise, and demanded an apology from the agency.

Taking to X, Ms. Parida stated, “Mahaprabhu Jagannath is deeply connected to the soul and emotions of every Odia. I strongly condemn Chinese e-commerce platform @AliExpress_EN for selling doormats featuring Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s image. @AliExpress_EN must remove the listing immediately and apologise to devotees for this offensive act.” AliExpress, in response to an X submit by Odisha’s Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, stated the product has been eliminated.

“We appreciate your report. The item has been reviewed and removed. Community input helps us improve our platform and strengthen our content checks. Thank you for helping us create a safe and friendly online shopping experience,” it stated.

Ms. Firdous, in her submit, said, “Strongly condemn the blasphemous act of promoting doormats with the sacred picture of Lord Jagannath on @AliExpress_EN. This is a grave insult to tens of millions of devotees and a severe assault on cultural and non secular sentiments. Immediate motion have to be taken to take away the itemizing and problem a public apology.” Eminent sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Pattnaik additionally condemned the act.

“Jai Jagannath. We appeal to all devotees worldwide to raise their voice against this unacceptable act. The sacred image of Mahaprabhu Jagannath on a doormat sold by @AliExpress_EN is deeply offensive. Remove it, apologise, and ensure this never happens again,” he stated. Former MP and BJD chief Amar Patnaik additionally condemned the e-commerce platform.

“I vehemently condemn the egregious act of promoting doormats with the sacred picture of Lord Jagannath on AliExpress! This shameless profanity is an affront to the deepest sentiments of tens of millions of devotees, trampling upon the revered iconography with utter disregard.

“It’s a desecration of the highest order and those responsible must be held accountable. The fact that Lord Jagannath’s image is being used as a mere commodity is a stark reminder of the blatant disrespect towards Hinduism. Immediate action is imperative to rectify this egregious wrongdoing and restore dignity to the revered deity,” he stated.