Puri, June 16 -- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra on Monday thanked West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and welcomed the removal of the word "Dham" from the Jagannath Temple in Digha, saying the move had addressed concerns raised by devotees and followers of Sanatan Dharma.

Speaking in Puri, Patra said the use of the term "Jagannath Dham" for the Digha temple had become a matter of concern for people in Odisha, as Puri is regarded as the sole Jagannath Dham and the principal seat of Lord Jagannath worship.

Recalling the controversy, Patra said, "When the Jagannath Temple was built in Digha, the term Jagannath Dham was used for it. At that time, it became a major issue for Odias and followers of Sanatan Dharma, ...