Title: Negligence & Mismanagement are Inexcusable: Kharge on Puri Stampede
The recent stampede that occurred during the Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri has left a trail of death and destruction, with at least three people killed and many others injured. The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage, with leaders from various political parties condemning the incident and calling for a thorough investigation. Among those who have spoken out is Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who has criticized the Odisha government for its negligence and mismanagement.
“This tragedy follows reports of 500 devotees being injured on Friday during the yatra,” Kharge said, adding that the negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable. His comments come as the state government is under intense pressure to explain how such a tragedy could have occurred.
The Rath Yatra, a major festival in Odisha, is a grand procession of the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. Thousands of devotees gather to witness the procession, which is considered a sacred event. However, this year’s yatra has been marred by a series of mishaps, including the stampede that occurred on Sunday.
The incident has raised serious questions about the preparedness and organization of the event. Eyewitnesses have reported that the crowds were not properly managed, and the emergency services were slow to respond. The authorities have promised an investigation into the incident, but many are already calling for accountability.
The Odisha government has been criticized for its handling of the festival, with many pointing to a lack of preparedness and inadequate infrastructure. The state government has announced that it will provide financial assistance to the families of those who were killed in the stampede, as well as medical treatment to those who were injured.
However, the Congress party has called for more than just financial assistance. “The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable,” Kharge said. “The government must take immediate action to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future.”
The Congress party has also demanded that the government take steps to improve the infrastructure and organization of the festival. “The government must ensure that the festival is conducted in a safe and secure manner,” Kharge said. “This includes providing adequate security, emergency services, and crowd control measures.”
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party in Odisha, has also condemned the stampede. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and injuries caused by the stampede,” said a BJP spokesperson. “We will support the government in its investigation and will work to ensure that the festival is conducted in a safe and secure manner in the future.”
The incident has also raised questions about the role of the temple authorities and the local administration in the organization of the festival. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is responsible for the management of the temple and the festival, while the local administration is responsible for providing security and emergency services.
The SJTA has announced that it will conduct an internal inquiry into the incident, while the local administration has promised to cooperate fully with the investigation. However, many are calling for a more comprehensive investigation that includes all those involved in the organization of the festival.
The stampede has also sparked concerns about the safety and security of pilgrims who visit the temple. The temple is one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism, and thousands of devotees visit every year. The incident has raised questions about the government’s ability to ensure the safety and security of these pilgrims.
In conclusion, the stampede that occurred during the Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri is a tragic reminder of the importance of safety and security at public events. The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable, and those responsible must be held accountable. The government must take immediate action to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future, and that the festival is conducted in a safe and secure manner.
