Glaring Incompetence of Govt in Ensuring Peaceful Rath Yatra: Naveen on Saradhabali Stampede

Puri: Biju Janata Dal President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Sunday made a scathing attack on the BJP-led Odisha government for the deadly stampede at Saradhabali in Puri during this year’s Rath Yatra.

The tragic incident claimed three lives and left several others injured, further intensifying public outrage over the administration’s handling of the grand festival.

“Today’s stampede, occurring just a day after the abysmal failure of crowd management during the RathYatra that left hundreds injured, exposes the government’s glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful festival for devotees”, Naveen said.

Highlighting the administration’s absence at a critical moment, Naveen noted that the initial rescue efforts were undertaken by the families and relatives of the victims.

“Eyewitnesses report that the initial response to this horrific tragedy came from the devotees’ relatives, with no government machinery present to manage the surging crowds, highlighting a shocking lapse in duty”, he said.

The inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot on Rath Yatra day was conveniently attributed to “Mahaprabhu’s wish”, a shocking excuse that masks the administration’s complete abdication of responsibility, the BJD President further stated.

LoP Naveen said, “While I refrain from accusing the government of criminal negligence, their blatant callousness has undeniably contributed to this tragedy”.

Naveen urged the government to implement urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth conduct of Adapa Bije, Bahuda, Suna Besha, and other key Rath Yatra rituals.

The BJD supremo also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the three devotees who have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Saradhabali, Puri and prayed to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha for the swift recovery of the devotees injured in this devastating incident.