Negligence & Mismanagement are Inexcusable: Kharge on Puri Stampede
In the wake of the tragic stampede that occurred during the Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has come down heavily on the Odisha government, terming the negligence and mismanagement that led to the tragedy as “inexcusable”. The incident has left at least three people dead and many others injured, with reports suggesting that over 500 devotees were injured on Friday during the yatra.
Kharge’s strong condemnation of the government’s role in the tragedy comes as no surprise, given the Congress party’s long-standing commitment to upholding the rights and safety of citizens. 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. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety and well-being of the people, especially during sensitive events like the Rath Yatra.”
The Rath Yatra, which is a sacred procession of Lord Jagannath’s chariots, takes place every year in Puri and is attended by millions of devotees from across the country. However, this year’s yatra has been marred by chaos and tragedy, with the stampede being the latest in a series of incidents that have raised concerns about the government’s preparedness and response to the event.
The Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has been accused of being woefully unprepared for the yatra, with reports suggesting that the event was poorly managed and lacked adequate crowd control measures. The lack of adequate medical facilities and emergency services has also been cited as a major concern, with many of the injured being forced to wait for hours to receive medical attention.
The Congress party has long been critical of the Odisha government’s handling of the Rath Yatra, citing concerns about the safety and security of devotees. In the past, the party has called for greater transparency and accountability in the planning and execution of the event, as well as improved crowd control measures and emergency services.
Kharge’s statement is a clear indication that the Congress party is committed to holding the Odisha government accountable for its role in the tragedy. The party has been vocal in its criticism of the government’s handling of the event, and is likely to continue to push for greater transparency and accountability in the coming days.
The tragedy is also a wake-up call for the Odisha government, which must take immediate steps to improve its preparedness and response to the Rath Yatra. The government must ensure that adequate measures are in place to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future, including improved crowd control measures, adequate medical facilities and emergency services, and greater transparency and accountability in the planning and execution of the event.
The Rath Yatra is a sacred event that is deeply revered by millions of devotees across the country. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the event is conducted in a safe and peaceful manner, and that the rights and well-being of all citizens are protected. The Congress party’s criticism of the Odisha government’s handling of the event is a clear indication that it is committed to upholding these values and ensuring that the government is held accountable for its actions.
In conclusion, the negligence and mismanagement that led to the tragic stampede during the Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri are inexcusable, and the Odisha government must take immediate steps to improve its preparedness and response to the event. The Congress party’s criticism of the government’s handling of the event is a clear indication that it is committed to upholding the rights and safety of citizens, and ensuring that the government is held accountable for its actions.
