BHUBANESWAR: Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the state government over the recurring fatal mishaps during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri. The remarks come after a devotee was killed while several others sustained injuries in a stampede during Bahuda Yatra on Friday.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, Naveen said, “I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn of the tragic incident during Mahaprabhu’s Bahuda Yatra, where one devotee lost their life and many others were injured due to a stampede. I extend my deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased, along with prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.”
Questioning the government’s handling of the festival, the former chief minister asked why such accidents continued to occur every year despite repeated warnings. He alleged that the administration was functioning in a carefree manner and had failed to learn from its past mistakes.