Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik takes swipe at BJP government over delay in Rath Yatra rituals

The Hindu

7 hours ago

:
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.