Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has launched a sharp attack against the Odisha State Government, citing total failure and negligence in managing the world-famous Rath Jatra festival in Puri. The opposition party raised serious concerns after four devotees lost their lives and hundreds were injured in separate stampede incidents during the festival.
Speaking at a press conference held at Sankha Bhawan, senior BJD leaders including Vice-President Sanjay Das Burma, Puri District President Umakanta Samantaray, and former Minister Tusharkanti Behera condemned the administration for widespread mismanagement. BJD leaders highlighted that three devotees died and over 350 were injured during the main Rath Yatra procession on July 16, while another devotee lost his life and over 130 were injured during the Bahuda Jatra.
The BJD accused the Chief Minister and the Health Minister of misleading the public by claiming the deaths occurred due to suffocation rather than stampedes. According to party representatives, recent post-mortem reports have disproved the state government’s claims.
The leaders pointed to several administrative and operational failures along the Grand Road (Bada Danda). They cited poor sanitation arrangements near Bagala Dharmashala, where slippery conditions caused by discarded leaf plates triggered a fall among crowd members as Devi Subhadra’s chariot arrived. Additionally, the party noted ritual disruptions during Pahandi Bije, excess unauthorized presence near the deities, and severe traffic gridlocks connecting Puri during Suna Besha.
Calling for accountability, the BJD has demanded a judicial inquiry into all incidents from Rath Jatra through Bahuda Jatra, the immediate resignation of the Health Minister, and the public release of past inquiry reports into temple management mishaps. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Shri Naveen Patnaik also expressed deep concern over the tragic events.