Puri: Years of tradition has been broken during Rath Yatra this time. Shree Jagannath remained stationed near Singhadwara of the 12th century shrine in Odisha’s Puri. His chariot Nandighosha could move only a few metres. It is alleged that distribution of passes led to massive disruption in the proceedings. Opposition parties have mounted a scathing attack on the government. This year, the tradition of 30 years has been broken during the Rath Yatra. Not a single chariot could reach Sharadhabali in front of the Gundicha Temple. Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha chariot could not be pulled before sunset. Finally, it moved only a few steps. There has been a lot of dissatisfaction over irregularities. Opposition parties are now targeting the government over scuffling, overcrowding and alleged assault on journalists. Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik has expressed anguish over the incident.
Nandighosha moved a few steps
The Chief Minister had issued order to ensure a smooth and flawless Rath Yatra. However, what happened this time had not taken place in the last three decades. Nandighosha chariot could not be pulled before sunset. It was pulled a few steps to maintain the tradition. This has caused enormous disappointment and anger in the minds of devotees and servitors. Though many high-ranking officials were camping in Puri and moving around, there was a lack of coordination. As a result, it became impossible to control the crowd in front of the chariot. The repeated turns of Lord Balabhadra’s Rath and failure in crowd control have been cited as the reasons behind the disorder. Meanwhile, the opposition has come down heavily on the government over this. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed concern over the Rath Yatra disorder. It has disappointed lakhs of devotees who have come from across the country and abroad. Many devotees sustained injuries and fell ill due to poor crowd management. Naveen has asked the state government to go for an introspection over the entire incident.
Major disruption due to pass distribution!
It is alleged that a chaotic situation cropped up due to the presence of a large number of VIP and VVIP pass holders inside the cordon around the chariots. It is said that the chariots could not be pulled due to such a large crowd inside the security cordon. The chariot pulling began at 4 pm. However, the police personnel found it difficult to perform the task due to the crowd of pass holders inside the cordon. Passes were distributed during the Rath Yatra in the past too. But never had such a large crowd of pass holders gathered near the chariot. It is alleged that two influential cabinet ministers from Khurda and Puri districts distributed thousands of passes, which led to chaos. It is said that these two ministers alone distributed about 6000 to 7000 passes, while the others distributed 4000 to 5000 passes.
Pushing, scuffling… Journalists beaten up!
More than 600 devotees sustained injuries and fell due to pushing, scuffling, sweltering heat and crowd pressure during the chariot procession this year. Seven of them were seriously injured and have been admitted to the ICU. It is said that the government has completely failed to manage the unusually thick crowd. This issue is also being discussed at the national level. Similarly, despite having cordon pass during the Rath Yatra, several journalists were not allowed by the police move into the restricted zone for coverage of the proceedings. At least seven journalists were injured in the scuffle at the scene. An injured woman journalist had to get 20 stitches on her hand. It is being demanded that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi should intervene and ensure action against those involved in the incident.
The BJP government is organising the Rath Yatra for the second time after coming to power. Last time, the idol of Lord Balabhadra had slipped during Adapa Bije Pahandi. Devotees of Lord Jagannath were disheartened over the incident. However, neither the investigation report of the incident was made public nor any action taken. This time, it was alleged that the Dasamool Modak, which was brought for the recovery of the Lords during Anasara, was stolen. It was said that Mara Modak was given to the deities. Now, widespread irregularities have come to light during the Rath Yatra. The sentiments of the Odia people are closely linked with Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra and the state government must realise this. People of Odisha are not going to tolerate any irregularity in the Rath Yatra, negligence towards sibling deities or theft of Modak and meant for the Lords.
