Title: Negligence & Mismanagement are Inexcusable: Kharge on Puri Stampede
The recent stampede during the Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri has left the nation in shock and grief. The incident has claimed the lives of at least three people and left many more injured. The Congress chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, has strongly condemned the incident, terming the negligence and mismanagement that led to the tragedy as “inexcusable”.
On Sunday, Kharge reacted to the incident, saying, “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.” His statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the failure of the Odisha government to ensure the safety of devotees during the religious event.
The Rath Yatra, a centuries-old tradition, is one of the most revered and sacred festivals in Hinduism. The annual event is a grand procession of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balaram, and their sister Subhadra, who are taken out of the Puri Jagannath Temple on a chariot. The festival attracts millions of devotees from across the country and the world, making it a major event for the state of Odisha.
However, the management of the event has been marred by reports of overcrowding, mismanagement, and lack of infrastructure. The recent stampede is a stark reminder of the failure of the government to ensure the safety and security of devotees during the event.
The incident has also raised questions about the lack of preparedness and planning by the authorities. The event is a major logistical challenge, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure the safe movement of devotees. However, it appears that the authorities failed to rise to the challenge, leading to the tragic consequences.
Kharge’s statement has also highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency in the management of such events. The Congress chief has demanded that the Odisha government take immediate action to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. He has also called for an inquiry into the incident to identify the causes and remedy the lapses.
The incident has also sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across the country. The opposition parties have demanded that the government take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of devotees during the event. The ruling BJD party has also come under fire for its handling of the event, with many accusing it of being more concerned with politics than the well-being of the devotees.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Odisha government has announced a probe into the stampede. The state government has also ordered an inquiry into the incident and has set up a committee to identify the causes and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident has also led to a renewed call for greater cooperation and coordination between the state and central governments to ensure the smooth conduct of such events. The Congress party has demanded that the central government provide necessary assistance and support to the state government to ensure the success of the event.
In conclusion, the stampede during the Rath Yatra in Puri is a tragic reminder of the failure of the Odisha government to ensure the safety and security of devotees during the event. The incident is a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and transparency in the management of such events. The Congress chief’s statement has highlighted the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future.
