Negligence & mismanagement are inexcusable: Kharge on Puri stampede
The recent stampede that took place during the Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri has left the nation shocked and saddened. The tragedy has claimed the lives of at least three people and injured many others, with reports suggesting that over 500 devotees were injured on Friday during the yatra. In the wake of this devastating incident, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has strongly criticized the Odisha government, stating that the negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable.
Kharge’s scathing remarks come as no surprise, given the gravity of the situation. The stampede, which occurred during the annual Rath Yatra, is believed to have been caused by a combination of factors, including overcrowding, poor crowd management, and inadequate infrastructure. The tragic incident has raised serious questions about the preparedness of the authorities to handle large gatherings of devotees and the safety measures in place to prevent such incidents.
In his statement, Kharge emphasized that the Odisha government’s failure to take adequate measures to prevent the stampede is unacceptable. He highlighted that the government’s negligence and mismanagement have led to the loss of precious lives and injuries to many others. Kharge’s criticism is not unfounded, as the authorities had been warned about the potential risks of overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure in the weeks leading up to the yatra.
The Rath Yatra, which is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, attracts millions of devotees from across the country. The event is a symbol of Lord Jagannath’s journey to the Gundicha Temple, and it is considered a sacred ritual. However, the recent stampede has raised concerns about the safety and security of devotees during such events.
The incident has also highlighted the need for better crowd management and infrastructure development in the city. The authorities have been criticized for not taking adequate measures to prevent overcrowding and ensure the safety of devotees. The lack of proper infrastructure, including adequate lighting, sanitation, and emergency services, has been identified as a major contributing factor to the stampede.
In addition to Kharge’s criticism, many other political leaders and experts have also expressed shock and dismay at the incident. The Odisha government has ordered an investigation into the stampede and has promised to take necessary action to prevent such incidents in the future. However, the fact remains that the tragedy could have been prevented if the authorities had taken adequate measures to ensure the safety and security of devotees.
The recent stampede in Puri is not an isolated incident. In recent years, there have been several other incidents of stampedes and overcrowding at religious events and festivals across the country. The tragedy has once again highlighted the need for better crowd management and infrastructure development in India.
Kharge’s criticism is not limited to the Odisha government alone. He has also criticized the central government for not taking adequate measures to prevent such incidents. Kharge has emphasized that the central government has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of citizens, and it is the government’s duty to provide adequate infrastructure and resources to prevent such incidents.
In conclusion, the recent stampede during the Rath Yatra in Puri is a tragic incident that has shocked the nation. The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable, and the authorities must take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident has raised serious questions about the preparedness of the authorities to handle large gatherings of devotees and the safety measures in place to prevent such incidents. As Kharge has emphasized, the negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety and security of citizens.
