Controversy erupted in Odisha as the Kendrapara Municipality faced criticism for running a crematorium exclusively for Brahmins. Despite historical use for Brahmin last rites, the official Brahmin crematorium signage sparked outrage after recent renovations funded by the government. Dalit activists and political figures condemned the practice as discriminatory and illegal, citing constitutional violations and advocating for equal rights to cremate loved ones irrespective of caste, denouncing the perpetuation of caste-based inequality.