Negligence & Mismanagement are Inexcusable: Kharge on Puri Stampede
The annual Rath Yatra, a sacred festival in Odisha’s Puri, turned into a tragedy when a stampede broke out on Sunday, leaving at least three people dead and many others injured. The Congress party’s chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, has strongly condemned the incident, holding the Odisha government responsible for the tragedy. In a statement, Kharge said, “The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable.”
Kharge’s comments come on the heels of reports of 500 devotees being injured on Friday during the yatra. This tragic incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and security measures taken by the administration to manage the massive crowd of devotees.
The Rath Yatra, which is a significant event in Hinduism, is celebrated every year in Puri to commemorate the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram, and Goddess Subhadra. The festival attracts millions of devotees from all over the world, making it a logistical challenge for the authorities to manage the crowd.
However, the stampede that occurred on Sunday suggests that the administration failed to take adequate measures to ensure the safety of the devotees. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Kharge’s statement is a reflection of the widespread anger and disappointment among the people. The Congress leader has called for the government to take immediate action to prevent such tragedies in the future. He has also demanded that the government provide adequate compensation to the families of the victims and those who were injured in the stampede.
The incident is not only a tragedy for the families of the victims but also a blow to the prestige of the Odisha government. The government has been criticized for its handling of the festival, which has been marred by reports of mismanagement and negligence.
In the aftermath of the stampede, the authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The police have also taken several people into custody for questioning, including some officials who were responsible for managing the crowd.
The incident has also raised questions about the preparedness of the authorities to handle large-scale events. The state government has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the people, especially during festivals like the Rath Yatra, which attracts a massive crowd.
The Odisha government has also come under fire for its failure to provide adequate medical facilities to the injured. Many of the injured were reportedly forced to travel long distances to seek medical attention, which has led to further complications.
The stampede has sent shockwaves across the country, with many political leaders and celebrities condemning the incident. The opposition parties have also held the government responsible for the tragedy and have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
In conclusion, the stampede that occurred during the Rath Yatra in Puri is a tragic incident that has left many people injured and three lives lost. The negligence and mismanagement of the authorities are inexcusable, and the government must take immediate action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The people of Odisha and the country at large demand a thorough investigation into the incident and adequate compensation to the families of the victims. The government must also take steps to improve the preparedness of the authorities to handle large-scale events and ensure the safety and security of the people.
As Kharge aptly put it, “The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable.” It is time for the government to take concrete action to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure that the Rath Yatra is celebrated with dignity and respect.
