The annual Rath Yatra in Puri witnessed unprecedented disruptions this year, breaking decades of tradition. Shree Jagannath’s chariot, Nandighosha, moved only a few meters, a stark contrast to previous years. The primary cause of the chaos is alleged to be the mismanagement of passes, leading to overcrowding and hindering the procession. Opposition parties have strongly criticized the government, highlighting the breaking of a 30-year-old tradition. The failure to pull the chariots to Sharadhabali in front of the Gundicha Temple and the inability to move Nandighosha before sunset have fueled widespread disappointment. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of coordination among officials and the ensuing crowd control failures. Instances of scuffling, alleged assaults on journalists, and injuries to devotees have further intensified the criticism. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep concern, urging the state government to conduct a thorough review of the incidents. The distribution of VIP and VVIP passes is believed to have significantly contributed to the chaos, with accusations against cabinet ministers for distributing thousands of passes, overwhelming the security cordon. The event also saw numerous injuries among devotees due to overcrowding and heat, with several journalists allegedly prevented from performing their duties, facing physical altercations. The BJP government faces scrutiny for the second consecutive year, following a prior incident involving Lord Balabhadra. The public is demanding accountability and action against those responsible for the irregularities, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the Rath Yatra for the people of Odisha.
