Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched a scathing attack on the new BJP government, accusing it of "blatant callousness" and "gross mismanagement" following a fatal stampede-like situation during the Rath Yatra festival in Puri. The tragic incident, which occurred during the 'Snana Purnima' ritual, resulted in the death of one devotee and left several others injured.The chaos unfolded near the 'Singhadwara' (Lion's Gate) of the revered Jagannath Temple as massive crowds gathered for the sacred ceremony. In a strongly worded statement, Patnaik, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, expressed his devastation over the incident and placed the blame squarely on the new administration's failure to ensure proper crowd control."I am deeply saddened and devastated," Patnaik stated, highlighting that this was a tragic and unprecedented event. "This is the first time in the history of the Srimandir that a devotee has died in a stampede during the Snana Purnima. It is a clear reflection of the government's gross mismanagement."He demanded that the government take "strict and exemplary action" against those responsible for the safety lapses that led to the devotee's death.Patnaik's party, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), echoed his outrage and has called for a judicial probe into the incident to ensure accountability.In response to the criticism, the state government has acknowledged the severity of the situation. Odisha's Law Minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan, admitted there were "lapses" in the arrangements and announced that a committee has been formed to investigate the matter thoroughly.The tragic death has cast a shadow over the world-renowned festival and has quickly become a major political flashpoint between the newly elected BJP government and the BJD opposition in Odisha.
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