Rath Yatra Verdict: VHP Faults Odisha Govt For ‘Disruption In Tradition’

New Delhi: Requesting the Supreme Court to review its decision to stall the Rath Yatra this year, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Sunday said a way out must be found to ensure the continuity of the annual festival.

“The traditional Rath Yatra of Bhagwan Shree Jagannath in Puri, which has been conducted uninterruptedly for the last hundreds of years, should be taken out this year too! The Rath Yatra can be made possible on the holy Bada Daanda even with all the public health protocols against the COVID-19 pandemic,” VHP secretary general Milind Parande said.

“In today’s circumstances, it is hardly expected that a million devotees would gather at the Yatra,” he added.

The VHP leader also accused the state government of failing to ensure the nonstop conduct of the ancient tradition. “In fact, the government of Odisha could not properly place and articulate all the facts, figures and aspects in this matter before the Supreme Court,” he added.

Parande further said the Supreme Court should have heard all the parties and stakeholders concerned before delivering a verdict.

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