Naveen Expresses Deep Concern Over Rath Yatra Mismanagement, Urges Govt Introspection

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik on Saturday voiced his serious concerns over the gross mismanagement witnessed during this year’s sacred Rath Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath in Puri.

In a strongly worded statement, Naveen said, “May Mahaprabhu Jagannath forgive all those responsible for the terrible mess that has overshadowed this divine festival this year. I hope it leads to deep introspection by all in government.”

Referring to Friday’s unprecedented delay in pulling Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha chariot, he remarked,

“We aren’t here to point fingers or blame the administration for yesterday’s inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot. But it’s impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our State”.

Recalling last year’s mishap, where Lord Balabhadra’s idol slipped during the Adapa Bije Pahandi, the BJD President said, “It’s hard to forget how, last year, Lord Balabhadra’s idol slipped during the Adapa Bije Pahandi—a moment that left countless devotees shaken and now this year, we witnessed Nandighosha ratha still standing at the Singhadwar till 7:45 PM, only to move a few metres before the day ended. That understandably has left lakhs of devotees who came from all over the world to witness this unique event completely disenchanted and disillusioned”.

He further expressed dismay over the suffering faced by devotees.

Hundreds of devotees also got injured due to poor crowd management, LoP Naveen said.

Concluding with a prayer and a call for accountability, Naveen reiterated, “All we can do is pray: “May Mahaprabhu Jagannath forgive all those responsible for the terrible mess that has overshadowed this divine festival this year. I hope it leads to deep introspection by all in government.”