Negligence & Mismanagement are Inexcusable: Kharge on Puri Stampede
In a recent incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, a stampede during the Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri has resulted in the loss of at least three lives and left many others injured. The Congress chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, has strongly criticized the Odisha government, stating that the negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable.
The Rath Yatra, a significant Hindu festival, is celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha, to commemorate the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to their aunt’s house. The festival attracts millions of devotees from across the country and abroad, making it one of the largest and most sacred Hindu festivals.
However, this year’s Rath Yatra was marred by chaos and tragedy when a stampede broke out near the Gundicha Temple, where the deities are taken in a grand procession. The stampede led to the death of at least three people and left hundreds injured, with many more still recovering in hospitals. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many questioning the preparedness and response of the Odisha government to manage the massive crowds that throng the festival.
Reacting to the incident, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his shock and sadness at the loss of life and the injuries sustained by innocent devotees. He stated that the negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
“This tragedy follows reports of 500 devotees being injured on Friday during the yatra. The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable. The Odisha government must take immediate action to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future,” Kharge said in a statement.
The Odisha government, however, has defended its handling of the festival, stating that it was prepared to manage the crowds and that the incident was an unfortunate accident. The government has announced an investigation into the incident and has promised to provide medical assistance to those injured.
While the Odisha government may have claimed that it was prepared to manage the crowds, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Eyewitnesses have reported that the police and other authorities were ill-prepared to handle the massive crowds, and that there were inadequate arrangements in place to ensure the safety of devotees.
The incident has also raised questions about the preparedness of the state government to handle large-scale events like the Rath Yatra. The government had claimed that it had made adequate arrangements to ensure the safety and security of devotees, but the incident has exposed the lack of preparedness and planning.
The stampede has also highlighted the importance of crowd management and the need for authorities to take a proactive approach to ensure the safety of people. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future and that the rights of citizens are protected.
The Rath Yatra is a sacred and sacred festival, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that it is celebrated in a peaceful and safe manner. The incident has once again raised questions about the ability of the Odisha government to manage large-scale events and has highlighted the need for improvement in crowd management and preparedness.
As the investigation into the incident continues, it is essential that the Odisha government takes concrete steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. The government must also take responsibility for its failures and ensure that those responsible for the negligence and mismanagement are held accountable.
In conclusion, the stampede during the Rath Yatra in Puri is a tragic reminder of the importance of crowd management and preparedness. The Odisha government must take immediate action to address the issues that led to this tragedy and ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. The people of Odisha and the nation at large deserve better, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that their rights are protected.
