Odisha Govt Replaces SJTA Chief Administrator Two Days After Lord Balabhadra Idol ‘Fall’

Bhubaneswar: Amid uproar over slipping of Lord Balabhadra on the ‘charamala’ of the chariot during ‘Adapa Bije Pahandi’ two days ago, the Odisha government on Thursday removed senior IAS officer Veer Vikram Yadav as chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

The government has appointed Agriculture secretary Arabinda Padhee to the post in addition to his present duties for the time being and until further orders, said the notification issued by the Law Department.

Padhee had earlier temporarily filled in for Yadav as SJTA chief when the latter was on leave from May 22 to June 11. He also served in the post from 2012 to 2014 during which devotees were banned from climbing atop the chariots and touching the deities during Rath Yatra. He was transferred just before the Nabakalebara of the Lords.

Besides ensuring that Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha and Niladri Bije can take place in a hassle-free manner, he faces the daunting challenge of completing inventorisation of Ratna Bhandar by coordinating with the Supervisory Committee and all other stakeholders.

The government’s decision came on a day when Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik exchanged letters regarding the ‘unfortunate mishap’ which took place when Lord Balabhadra was being taken in ‘Pahandi’ from his chariot to Gundicha Temple on Tuesday evening.

The LoP expressed dismay and said that the incident has “deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees” all over the world. Describing the holy triad as the supreme deity of Odia people and the symbol of Odia Asmita or Odia self-identity, he urged Majhi to take action against those responsible for it. “The sight of Bada Thakura falling face down during Charamala Pahandi was heart-wrenching. Such an unfortunate incident was unheard of during thousands of years of history of the chariot festival.”

Naveen also took a dig at Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida for describing the mishap as a minor incident.”Callous comments on such a sensitive topic by some state ministers has doubled the grief of Jagannath lovers.”

He requested the CM to personally intervene in the matter and take necessary steps to ensure that such an incident does not recur. “I believe your exemplary steps in this direction will help in reassuring crores of devotees of Lord Jagannath,” he added.

The CM, in his response, said that the mishap has saddened the entire world. “It is natural that you were hurt and I am also deeply hurt,” he said.

Majhi said he has advised all concerned to remain careful so that such an incident does not occur in future. “I have taken a serious note of your letter and we all can work together to ensure smooth conduct all the rituals of Chaturdha Murti and Shree Gundicha Jatra. I will always accept your suggestions with due respect.”

On Wednesday, Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee constituted a three-member panel to inquire into the reasons that led to the incident. The panel, comprising an additional district magistrate, temple administrator (development) and a deputy superintendent rank officer, has been asked to to submit its report to the managing committee within 10 days after Niladri Bije.