Odisha Political Turmoil: Patnaik Raises Concerns Over Ritual Disruption

Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik urges Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to take responsibility for the Bada Thakura idol incident during the 'Pahandi' ritual. Patnaik criticizes insensitive remarks from BJP ministers and highlights the significant political shift in Odisha following BJP's recent electoral victory.

In a recent letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik expressed deep concerns over the felling of the Bada Thakura idol during the 'Pahandi' ritual. Emphasizing the emotional impact on devotees, Patnaik urged Majhi to take personal responsibility and prevent such incidents in the future.

Patnaik highlighted that Lord Jagannath is a symbol of Odia identity, drawing millions to Puri annually for the Rath Yatra festival. Describing the incident as unprecedented in the chariot festival’s history, he criticized the 'casual comments' by some BJP ministers, which he claimed exacerbated the grief of devotees.

Calling for sensitivity from government officials, Patnaik expressed hope that Majhi's exemplary actions would reassure Jagannath devotees. Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) made key appointments, amidst the political upheaval following BJP's electoral success that ended Patnaik's 24-year leadership in Odisha.