Bhubaneswar: Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has strongly denied allegations that any land belonging to Lord Jagannath is registered in his name or that of his family, saying he would retire from politics if even an inch of such land is found in his name.

Harichandan was responding to allegations reportedly made by former minister and senior Congress leader Panchanan Kanungo, who had challenged the Law Minister to clarify whether any Jagannath Temple land was registered in his or his family's name.

The Law Minister said he and the state government were working with dedication for Lord Jagannath and were committed to developing the Puri Jagannath Temple as one of the country's premier pilgrimage destinations.

He alleged that certain people were deliberately spreading misinformation about the government's efforts and termed Kanungo's remarks unfortunate.

Harichandan said that if anyone could establish that even an inch of Lord Jagannath's land was registered in his name, he would quit politics.

He also challenged anyone to substantiate allegations of corruption against him, saying he would accept the consequences if such charges were proven.

At the same time, the Law Minister warned that legal action would be initiated if false allegations or misinformation continued to be spread against him.

The exchange comes amid continuing political debate over the management and ownership of land belonging to Lord Jagannath and the administration of Shree Jagannah Temple, Puri.