Bhubaneswar: Senior BJP leader Bijoy Mahapatra on Wednesday criticised the state government for seeking the Centre’s permission on holding the Rath Yatra.
Briefing the media here, he said the state government can take a decision on its own as the Centre has no specific role in this matter. It may seek the Centre’s help after taking a decision.
He also said the state government, which is conducting a video conference with the Centre a number of times every day with regard to COVID-19 and the lockdown guidelines, can also discuss the matter relating to Rath Yatra. There is no need to seek permission through a letter.
“There is no need for the state government to hide anything relating to Rath Yatra as the rituals of the Lords will be severely affected due to the delay in taking a decision in this regard,” he pointed out.
