Cultural Outrage: AliExpress's Exploitative Misstep

A major controversy has engulfed Odisha over the discovery that Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress listed doormats depicted with the image of the revered deity, Lord Jagannath, from Hindu mythology.

The Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Pravati Parida, has castigated the move as an offensive affront to religious sentiments and has demanded an apology from the platform.

AliExpress responded to criticism from Odisha's Congress MLA Sofia Firdous by removing the listing and expressing appreciation for the community's input. Nonetheless, many prominent figures, including sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik and former MP Amar Patnaik, continue to seek accountability and a public apology.

(With inputs from agencies.)