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, with at least three people losing their lives and many others injured. The Congress party has strongly condemned the incident, with its chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, calling out the Odisha government for its negligence and mismanagement.
In a statement, Kharge said, “The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable. This tragedy follows reports of 500 devotees being injured on Friday during the yatra.” The Congress chief’s comments come as a damning indictment of the state government’s handling of the event.
The Rath Yatra, a grand festival celebrated in honour of Lord Jagannath, is one of the most significant events in the Hindu calendar. Thousands of devotees flock to Puri to participate in the procession, which is a testament to the faith and devotion of the people. However, the recent stampede has raised serious concerns about the safety and security measures put in place by the authorities.
Eyewitnesses have reported that the stampede occurred when a large number of devotees rushed to the temple to get a glimpse of the deity, causing a crush of people. The situation was exacerbated by the narrow pathways and inadequate crowd control measures, leading to a devastating outcome.
The Congress party has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, calling for those responsible to be held accountable. Kharge’s comments are a reflection of the party’s commitment to upholding the values of justice, equality, and dignity for all citizens.
The Odisha government has announced an inquiry into the incident, with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik assuring that those found guilty would be punished. However, the opposition has questioned the government’s response, pointing out that similar incidents have occurred in the past, and that the authorities have failed to take adequate measures to prevent them.
The Puri stampede is not an isolated incident. In recent years, similar tragedies have occurred during other religious festivals and events, raising concerns about the safety and security of the public. The Congress party has consistently highlighted the need for greater vigilance and accountability in such matters, and Kharge’s comments are a reminder of the importance of putting people’s safety first.
In conclusion, the Puri stampede is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of negligence and mismanagement. As a nation, we must come together to demand greater accountability and transparency from our authorities, and to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
