Negligence & Mismanagement are Inexcusable: Kharge on Puri Stampede
The recent stampede that occurred during the Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri has left the nation in shock and grief. The incident claimed the lives of at least three people and left many more injured. Reacting to this tragedy, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has slammed the Odisha government, stating that the negligence and mismanagement that led to this disaster are inexcusable.
The Rath Yatra, a significant cultural event in India, is a 14-day festival that is celebrated every year in Puri, the holy city of Lord Jagannath. The festival attracts millions of devotees from all over the country, who come to pay their respects to the Lord. However, this year’s event was marred by chaos and tragedy, as a stampede broke out on Sunday, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries to many.
Kharge’s strong words of condemnation came after reports emerged of 500 devotees being injured on Friday during the yatra. The Congress leader has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and has called for those responsible for the tragedy to be held accountable.
In a statement, Kharge said, “The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable. The Odisha government has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the devotees who come to Puri to participate in this sacred festival. The government’s failure to do so is unacceptable and inexcusable.”
Kharge’s comments come at a time when the Odisha government is under intense scrutiny for its handling of the Rath Yatra. The government has been criticized for its inadequate arrangements and lack of preparedness to handle the large number of devotees who attend the festival.
The recent stampede is not an isolated incident. In the past, there have been several instances of chaos and violence during the Rath Yatra, including stampedes and clashes between devotees and security personnel. However, the Odisha government has consistently failed to take adequate measures to prevent such incidents from occurring.
The lack of preparedness and poor management by the government have been blamed for the tragedy. The narrow lanes and crowded spaces in Puri make it difficult for devotees to move around safely, and the government’s failure to ensure adequate crowd control measures has led to the tragic consequences.
The recent stampede has also raised questions about the safety of the devotees who come to Puri to participate in the Rath Yatra. The festival is a significant cultural event in India, and millions of people come to Puri every year to pay their respects to Lord Jagannath. However, the government’s failure to ensure their safety and security has put their lives at risk.
The Congress leader’s statement has sparked a debate about the government’s role in ensuring the safety and security of the devotees who come to Puri to participate in the Rath Yatra. The government has a responsibility to ensure that the festival is celebrated peacefully and safely, and it is unacceptable that it has failed to do so.
In conclusion, the recent stampede during the Rath Yatra in Puri is a tragic reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and security of devotees who come to participate in the festival. The Odisha government’s negligence and mismanagement have led to this tragedy, and it is inexcusable that they have failed to take adequate measures to prevent it.
The government’s failure to ensure the safety and security of the devotees who come to Puri is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. The government must take immediate action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and ensure that the festival is celebrated peacefully and safely.
As Kharge stated, “The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable. The Odisha government must take immediate action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and ensure that the devotees who come to Puri are safe and secure.”
