Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Samaleswari Temple Area Management and Local Economy Initiatives (SAMALEI) project in Sambalpur, marking the second phase of the state government’s temple initiatives. Following the recent inauguration of the Jagannath Temple Parikrama project in Puri, this move signifies a strategic focus on temple development, particularly in the BJP’s stronghold in western Odisha.
Under the SAMALEI project, the government has developed over 100 acres around the Samaleswari Temple, aiming to celebrate the shrine’s grandeur, enhance devotees’ experiences, boost Sambalpur’s tourism-based economy, and create economic opportunities for locals. The temple, dedicated to the presiding deity Samaleswari, holds cultural significance in the western region of Odisha.
The government’s efforts to upgrade and develop popular temples are viewed as part of a broader strategy ahead of the 2024 elections. In addition to the SAMALEI project, several other temples, including the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, are set to undergo facelifts. The initiatives reflect an attempt to connect with people’s emotions and showcase Odia pride through the development of ancient shrines, aligning with the state’s cultural heritage.
