Chinese E-commerce Giant Sparks Outrage with Sacred Doormat

A profound wave of anger has swept across India, particularly in Odisha, following the discovery that Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress was selling doormats emblazoned with the sacred image of Lord Jagannath. This deeply upsetting act, perceived as a grave insult to millions of devotees, has been widely condemned as a "blasphemous act". For Odias, Mahaprabhu Jagannath holds immense spiritual value and is intimately connected to their soul and emotions, making the use of his image on a doormat exceptionally hurtful and insulting.

The controversy rapidly escalated, drawing sharp criticism from prominent figures and organisations across the nation. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) swiftly lodged a police complaint, asserting that the doormat hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus globally. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida strongly condemned AliExpress, demanding immediate removal of the listing and an apology to devotees.

Renowned sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik joined the chorus of voices, appealing to devotees worldwide to speak out against the unacceptable act. Former MP and BJD leader Amar Patnaik labelled the incident a "disgrace," highlighting the complete disrespect shown towards Hindu beliefs. The unified outcry underscored the widespread distress caused by the doormat, emphasizing the need for immediate rectification and protection of religious dignity.

In response to the severe backlash, AliExpress promptly addressed the issue, confirming that the controversial item had been reviewed and removed. The platform also issued an apology, stating that community input helps them enhance their platform and strengthen content checks. This swift action aimed to rectify the offence and reiterated their commitment to fostering a safe and friendly online shopping experience.