Political Uproar Over Rath Yatra Mismanagement Allegations in Odisha

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress have criticized the BJP government in Odisha for alleged mismanagement during the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri. Opposition leaders pointed to an incident where the idol of Lord Balabhadra fell and accused the BJP of treating the event as a party affair. The Law Minister defended the government, stating the event was unique and conducted smoothly.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress on Friday attacked the BJP government in Odisha, citing severe mismanagement during the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath held in Puri earlier this month.

Initiating a debate on an adjournment motion in the Assembly, Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Rama Chandra Kadam accused the BJP of trying to hide an incident during the 'pahandi' ritual where the idol of Lord Balabhadra fell while being shifted at the Gundicha temple on July 9.

BJD MLA Byomkesh Ray added that the event was treated as a BJP party function and alleged further mismanagement, including the absence of key officials and unauthorised persons climbing the chariots.

Responding to the allegations, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan defended the government's handling of the unique event that combined three major rituals on a single day, emphasizing it was conducted smoothly and witnessed by a global audience.

After the Minister refuted claims of a devotee's death due to mismanagement, clarifying it was a cardiac arrest incident, the opposition staged a walkout from the House.

(With inputs from agencies.)