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. The incident has resulted in the loss of at least three lives and many more have been injured. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has come down heavily on the Odisha government, pointing fingers at the “negligence and mismanagement” that led to the stampede.
While speaking to the media, Kharge expressed his deep sadness at the loss of lives and injuries sustained by devotees. He stated that the incident was not only a tragedy but also a reflection of the state government’s failure to ensure the safety and security of the people. “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,” Kharge said.
The Rath Yatra, a prestigious event in the Hindu calendar, is one of the most revered festivals in Odisha. The festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, with millions of devotees thronging the streets of Puri to catch a glimpse of the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram, and Goddess Subhadra. However, this year’s event has been marred by controversy and chaos.
The stampede that occurred on Sunday is believed to have been caused by a combination of factors, including overcrowding, poor crowd management, and inadequate security measures. Eyewitnesses have reported that the situation was chaotic, with devotees getting trampled and pushed to the ground as they tried to escape the crush. The incident has left many questioning the preparedness of the authorities to handle such large crowds.
Kharge’s criticism of the Odisha government comes as no surprise, given the Congress party’s long-standing tradition of holding the ruling party accountable for its actions. However, in this case, the party’s concern is not just political; it is also deeply rooted in the party’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of the people.
The Congress party has a long history of fighting for the rights of the marginalized and the oppressed. The party has always been at the forefront of social and political movements, and its leaders have consistently spoken out against injustice and inequality. In this context, Kharge’s criticism of the Odisha government is not just a political statement; it is also a reflection of the party’s values and principles.
In recent years, the Congress party has been vocal about issues related to governance and public administration. The party has consistently pointed out the shortcomings and failures of the ruling party, and has called for greater accountability and transparency in government. In this case, Kharge’s criticism of the Odisha government is part of this broader narrative.
However, it is not just the Congress party that has criticized the Odisha government’s handling of the Rath Yatra. Many other political parties and organizations have also expressed their shock and dismay at the incident. The opposition parties in the state, including the BJP and the CPI(M), have also criticized the government for its failure to ensure the safety and security of the people.
The incident has also sparked widespread outrage and anger among the people of Odisha. Many have taken to social media to express their grief and shock, and to condemn the government’s handling of the event. The hashtag #JusticeForPuriStampede has been trending on social media, with many people demanding greater accountability and transparency from the government.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, it is essential that the Odisha government takes immediate action to address the concerns and fears of the people. The government must ensure that the safety and security of the people are paramount, and that all necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
As Kharge said, “The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable.” The people of Odisha deserve better, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that they receive it.
