Naveen Patnaik's Concerns Over Rath Yatra Delays
Bhubaneswar: Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, expressed his profound disappointment regarding the chaotic management of this year's Rath Yatra in Puri. He took to social media to voice his concerns and seek forgiveness for those accountable for the mishaps.
Patnaik, who has served as Odisha's Chief Minister multiple times and leads the BJD party, emphasized the importance of addressing the issues that arose during this revered event in the state.
Currently recovering from surgery in a Mumbai hospital, Patnaik shared on X, stating, "We are not here to assign blame for the significant delays in moving the Nandighosh chariot. However, it is crucial to express our deep concern regarding the events that transpired during this sacred occasion in our state."
He recalled last year's incident when Lord Balabhadra's idol fell during the 'Adapa Bije Pahandi' procession, a moment that left many devotees distressed.
This year, he noted, the Nandighosh chariot remained at the Singhadwar until 7:45 PM, only to move a short distance before the day concluded. Patnaik remarked that this situation left countless devotees, who traveled from afar to witness the event, feeling disheartened and disillusioned.
He also highlighted that numerous devotees suffered injuries due to inadequate crowd control. "All we can do is pray: May Mahaprabhu Jagannath forgive those responsible for the chaos that overshadowed this divine festival this year. I hope this leads to serious reflection by all in government," he added.
The chariots were expected to reach the Gundicha temple, regarded as the deities' aunt's residence, by Friday evening. However, they were halted on Grand Road when Lord Balabhadra's Taladwaja chariot became stuck while navigating a turn, preventing the others from proceeding.
Odisha's Law Minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan, explained the delay, stating that the favorable weather led to a surge in devotees, nearly one and a half times the usual number. He assured that those who came specifically to pull Lord Jagannath's chariot would have the chance to do so the following day.
The minister confirmed that chariot pulling was suspended for the day at 8 PM, but all rituals were conducted as per the schedule.
On Saturday, devotees resumed pulling the chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath after the Rath Yatra was paused on the night of June 27.
