Negligence & Mismanagement are Inexcusable: Kharge on Puri Stampede
Tragedy struck Odisha’s Puri once again, as a stampede during the annual Rath Yatra left at least three people dead and many others injured. The Congress chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, has strongly condemned the incident, holding the Odisha government responsible for the negligence and mismanagement that led to the tragedy.
In a statement, Kharge expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. However, he was quick to point out that the incident was avoidable and that the state government’s inaction and lack of preparedness were the root causes of the tragedy.
“The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable,” Kharge said. “This tragedy follows reports of 500 devotees being injured on Friday during the yatra. It is unacceptable that the state government failed to take adequate measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of the devotees.”
The Rath Yatra, a grand festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, is one of the most revered and iconic events in Odisha. Thousands of devotees from all over the state and the country flock to Puri to witness the procession of the deity’s chariots. However, the event has been marred by several incidents of stampedes and accidents in the past, leading to numerous casualties and injuries.
The latest stampede occurred on Sunday, when a massive crowd of devotees surged towards the Jagannath Temple in Puri, leading to a crush that resulted in the tragic loss of three lives and many others being injured. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many questioning the preparedness and response of the state government.
Kharge’s criticism of the Odisha government is not unfounded. The state has faced repeated criticism for its handling of the Rath Yatra, with many pointing out that the authorities have failed to take adequate measures to prevent overcrowding and ensure the safety of the devotees.
In recent years, there have been several incidents of stampedes and accidents during the Rath Yatra, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. Despite these incidents, the state government has failed to take concrete steps to address the issue, leading to widespread criticism and concern.
The incident has also raised questions about the management of the yatra, with many pointing out that the authorities have failed to engage with the local communities and stakeholders to ensure that the event is conducted in a safe and responsible manner.
The Odisha government, however, has sought to downplay the incident, claiming that the stampede was an “unfortunate” accident and that the authorities were doing their best to provide relief to the affected families.
However, Kharge’s criticism of the government’s handling of the incident highlights the need for a more comprehensive and responsible approach to managing the Rath Yatra. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of the devotees, and the need for the state government to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, the stampede during the Rath Yatra in Puri is a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of the devotees. The incident is a wake-up call for the Odisha government, which must take concrete steps to address the issue of mismanagement and negligence that led to the tragedy. As Kharge aptly put it, “The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable.” It is high time that the state government took responsibility for its actions and ensured that the Rath Yatra is conducted in a safe and responsible manner.
