Naveen Extends Condolences to Families of Deceased in Ratha Jatra Stampede

Bhubaneswar: LoP Naveen Patnaik has expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased devotees in the tragic incident at Saradhabali in Puri. Taking to his X he wrote about the stampede like situation in Puri.

He wrote, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the three devotees who have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Saradhabali, #Puri and I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha for the swift recovery of the devotees injured in this devastating incident. Today’s stampede, occurring just a day after the abysmal failure of crowd management during the #RathYatra that left hundreds injured, exposes the government’s glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful festival for devotees. Eyewitnesses report that the initial response to this horrific tragedy came from the devotees’ relatives, with no government machinery present to manage the surging crowds, highlighting a shocking lapse in duty. The inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot on Rath Yatra day was conveniently attributed to “Mahaprabhu’s wish”, a shocking excuse that masks the administration’s complete abdication of responsibility. While I refrain from accusing the government of criminal negligence, their blatant callousness has undeniably contributed to this tragedy. I urge the government to implement urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth conduct of Adapa Bije, Bahuda, Suna Besha, and other key #RathYatra rituals.”

LoP Naveen Patnaik had watched the chariot pulling from the Television screen as he is currently recovering after his surgery in Mumbai.