Politics has started with a stampede near Gundicha temple in Puri, Odisha. The BJD president and former Chief Minister of the state Naveen Patnaik targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party and claimed that a stampede near the Gundicha temple in Puri, Odisha has highlighted the state government’s gross disability in ensuring a peaceful chariot yatra for the devotees.
Patnaik said in a post on X, ‘I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of three devotees who have lost their lives in Saradhabali, Puri and pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath for the early recovery of the devotees who were injured in this disastrous incident.’
The Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Legislative Assembly said, “Today’s stampede has highlighted the government’s inability to ensure peaceful celebrations for the devotees, just a day after the fierce failure of the mob management during the Rath Yatra.”
Patnaik alleged, “Eyewitnesses stated that the initial response to this horrific tragedy came from the relatives of the devotees, as there was no government machinery to handle the growing crowd, which reflects the shocking omission in duty.”
Patnaik, who was a five -time Chief Minister, said, ‘Although I avoid accusing the government of criminal negligence, his gross negligence has undoubtedly contributed to this tragedy. I urge the government to implement immediate corrective measures to ensure the smooth operation of Adapa Bije, Bahuda, Suna Basha and other major rath yatra rituals.
At least three people were killed and around 50 others were injured in a painful stampede near Gundicha temple during the annual Rath Yatra festival in Puri in the early hours. Puri District Collector Siddharth S Swain said that the incident took place at around 4 am when hundreds of devotees gathered near the temple to watch the Rath Yatra.
According to officials, anarchy spread when two trucks entered the crowded area. These trucks were carrying materials for rituals near the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, causing a stir among the devotees and a stampede situation.
After the incident, the local administration started immediate relief and rescue operations. The injured have been admitted to the nearest hospitals. The Odisha government has ordered a thorough investigation into this unfortunate incident.
