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The Print
25 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Print
Patnaik expresses anguish over ‘terrible mess' during Rath Yatra, BJP hits back
'But it's impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our state,' he said. In a social media post, the former chief minister said, '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.' He stopped short of directly blaming the administration but said it was impossible not to voice concern over how events unfolded. Bhubaneswar, Jun 28 (PTI) A day after Lord Jagannath's chariot failed to reach its destination on time during the Rath Yatra in Puri, political tempers flared in Odisha on Saturday with BJD chief Naveen Patnaik calling the delay a 'terrible mess', prompting the ruling BJP to accuse the opposition party of engaging in 'vicious politics.' Patnaik, currently recuperating at a Mumbai hospital after surgery, expressed deep anguish over the disruption. 'The Nandighosh chariot stood still at the Singhadwar till 7.45 PM, only to move a few metres before the day ended. This has left lakhs of devotees disillusioned,' Patnaik wrote. In his post, Patnaik recalled that it is hard to forget that last year Lord Balabhadra's idol slipped during the 'Adapa Bije Pahandi' (procession on way to Shree Gundicha temple), a moment that left countless devotees shaken. Responding to Patnaik's remarks, state Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, without naming Patnaik, criticised the BJD for making 'political statements while recovering from jaundice,' implying that they don't understand the will of Lord Jagannath. 'In the past, the BJD government made mistakes and insulted Lord Jagannath. Since 1977, the chariots have always reached the Gundicha Temple on the second day,' he claimed. Harichandan also said this year's Rath Yatra had been 'incident-free' and warned, 'Those doing politics over the Lord's festival will face consequences—if not today, then tomorrow.' At a press conference, BJD vice-president Pratap Jena demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Law Minister Harichandan, holding them morally responsible for the delay and crowd mismanagement. Meanwhile, Congress leader and former minister Prasad Harichandan accused the BJP of sidelining experienced officials and letting party leaders handle the Rath Yatra arrangements. He also raised questions about the alleged influence of industrialist Gautam Adani on the scheduling of the chariot pulling. 'There were reports that Adani was to visit Puri and pull the chariot. Did the government postpone the pulling for his's visit?' he asked. Harichandan further cited a remark made by SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, who reportedly said that perhaps 'the Lord chose to stay back as some devotees didn't arrive.' 'Who was that comment directed at? Isn't it a hint toward Adani?' the Congress leader asked. The Congress also demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged mismanagement, claiming that over 600 devotees were injured or fell ill due to overcrowding. BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal rejected the opposition's claims, calling them baseless and politically motivated. 'The Rath Yatra has been conducted transparently and successfully. Congress's allegations about Adani show their weak mentality,' he said. Biswal also accused the previous BJD government of failing Lord Jagannath during the Nabakalebar festival in 2015. Meanwhile, after being halted on the night of June 27 due to the Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra getting stuck while negotiating a turn, the chariots reached their destination, Gundicha Temple, the deities aunt's residence around 1.30 pm. PTI AAM RG AAM MNB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
As wheels turn, albeit slowly, during Rath Yatra in Puri, BJP govt faces the heat
A delay in pulling the chariot of Lord Jagannath, which only moved a few metres before the day ended, and apparent lapses in crowd management during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri have put the Odisha government in a spot, particularly as it aims to make the event 'incident-free' this year. Despite the administration's claim of conducting all rituals on time on Friday, the three chariots couldn't be pulled even half the distance from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, a distance of around 3 km. The chariot of Lord Jagannath, the last to be pulled, moved only a few metres in a ritualistic manner. All three chariots reached Gundicha Temple, the deities' birthplace, on Saturday. Odisha minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the delay was due to an unprecedented turnout of devotees and due to Lord Balabhadra's chariot getting stuck while negotiating. Officials acknowledged the massive surge in devotees hampered the coordination. More than 200 attendees also fell ill due to high humidity and the swelling crowd; most were discharged after primary treatment at first aid centres near the Grand Road and in various hospitals in Puri. The hospitals and first aid centres reported cases of minor injuries, vomiting and fainting. 'There were no reports of casualties, devotees sustaining major injuries or requiring intensive care,' an official said. The opposition stepped up its attack on the BJP government in the state for the 'terrible mess'. The opposition accused the government of issuing excessive cordon passes to the ruling party workers, leading to the chaos. Stating that they don't intend to point fingers or blame the administration for the delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot, former chief minister and leader of the opposition Naveen Patnaik said it's impossible not to voice their concern and anguish over how things unfolded. '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,' wrote Patnaik on X. Patnaik said the delay left the devotees 'disenchanted and disillusioned'. '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,' he posted. The Congress also targeted the state government for the 'mismanagement'. Odisha's law minister said there shouldn't be any politics over the issue as 'everything happens as per the Lord's wish'.
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik takes swipe at BJP government over delay in Rath Yatra rituals
: A day after the sibling deities' journey remained incomplete, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took a sharp swipe at the Mohan Majhi government, citing mismanagement of Odisha's most sacred event. Recuperating in Mumbai after a procedure for cervical arthritis, Mr. Patnaik took to social media platform X to express concern over the series of lapses that marred the Rath Yatra festivities. 'We are not here to point fingers or blame the administration for Friday's (June 27, 2025) inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath's chariot). But it is impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our State,' said Mr. Patnaik in his statement. He further said, 'it is 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 p.m., 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. Hundreds of devotees also got injured due to poor crowd management,' said former Odisha CM. As per ritual, chariot pulling must be halted after sunset. On Friday (June 27, 2025), the Nandighosh chariot, which was the last to be towed, could not cover the intended distance due to the large crowd surrounding it.' 'May Mahaprabhu (lord) 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,' he said. Mr. Patnaik also posted media reports which alleged that two ministers had provided entry passes for the inner cordon to a large number of supporters which was major reason behind the delay. In addition to the delay, hospitalisation of 700 devotees due to a stampede-like situation and heat exhaustion in Puri was said to be upshoot of mismanagement of event. The rituals of the sibling deities of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri evoke deep emotions among Odias across the State. Successive governments have taken utmost care to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the annual Rath Yatra. Ahead of the festival, multiple rounds of preparatory meetings are held, including those focused on security arrangements. This year, over 200 platoons of police were deployed to maintain order. A high-powered committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, was constituted to oversee the event's smooth execution. However, despite these measures, the situation spiralled out of control. Allegations have emerged that excessive interference by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the organisation of the religious festival may have contributed to the unrest.
India Gazette
11 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Naveen Patnaik raises concerns over
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 28 (ANI): Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik raised concerns over the 'inordinate delay' in pulling the Nandighosha chariot on Saturday. Some people experienced suffocation and reportedly fell unconscious due to high humidity during the Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri on Friday. Taking to 'X', the Biju Janata Dal chief stated that he doesn't want to 'point fingers or blame' the administration for the delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot, but it is 'impossible' to 'voice' deep concern and anguish on how the things unfolded during the most sacred event in Odisha. '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', Naveen Patnaik's 'X' post said. Reflecting to previous year's incident when 'Lord Balabhadra's' idol slipped during the Adapa Bije Pahandi and termed it as a moment which left 'countless' devotees shaken. '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', Naveen Patnaik wrote in his 'X' post. Furthermore, mentioning about the Nandighosha ratha which was standing at the main gate of the Jagannath Temple till 7:45 pm on Friday, the BJD chief stated that it has left lakhs of devotees who had come to witness the Rath Yatra completely ' disenchanted and disillusioned'. Meanwhile, on Friday, according to officials, ambulances were rushed to the spot after some people complained of breathing difficulties and were reported unconscious due to the humidity. Those affected were quickly shifted to nearby hospitals and provided with necessary medical assistance. Speaking on the incident, Odisha Minister Mukesh Mahaling said, 'Due to high humidity, one or two devotees collapsed. The rescue teams took them to the hospital immediately. There are primary health care centres in the temple area. I am also here to make sure glucose and water are being provided adequately. I will also visit the hospital to make sure that proper healthcare is being provided to those who may need it.' The grand annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced in Odisha's Puri on Friday, with thousands of devotees pulling the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, amidst chants, drumbeats, and spiritual fervour. Following the completion of key rituals, including the sacred 'Chhera Pahanra' (sweeping ceremony) performed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the deities were ceremonially placed on their respective chariots -- Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Patnaik expresses anguish over inordinate delay in Rath Yatra in Puri
Bhubaneswar, Expressing deep anguish over the "terrible mess" in the conduct of Lord Jagannth's Rath Yatra in Puri this year, Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik on Saturday prayed to the almighty to forgive those responsible for the development. Patnaik expresses anguish over inordinate delay in Rath Yatra in Puri Patnaik, who is also a former five-time chief minister of Odisha and president of BJD, said that it is impossible not to voice concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in the state. Patnaik, who is recuperating at a hospital in Mumbai after surgery, in a post on X said: "We aren't here to point fingers or blame the administration for yesterday's inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosh 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." Patnaik also mentioned that it is 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 Nandighosh chariot still standing at the Singhadwar till 7:45 pm, only to move a few metres before the day ended," Patnaik said in a long social media post. "That understandably has left lakhs of devotees who came from all over the world to witness this unique event completely disenchanted and disillusioned," the former chief minister said. Patnaik said hundreds of devotees also got injured due to poor crowd management. "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," he said. The chariots were scheduled to reach Gundicha temple, considered the aunt's place of the deities, by the evening of Friday. But they had to be stopped on Grand Road as Lord Balabhadra's Taladwaja chariot got stuck while negotiating a turn, preventing the other two from advancing. Explaining the delay, the Odisha Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Friday said, "Due to favourable weather conditions, the number of devotees was nearly one and a half times higher than usual. Those who came specifically to pull Lord Jagannath's chariot will have the opportunity to do so tomorrow." The minister announced that chariot pulling was suspended for the day at 8 pm. He said all the rituals were completed in accordance with the schedule. Devotees on Saturday resumed pulling the chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath, after the Rath Yatra in Puri was halted on June 27 night. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
