Jayanti Temple Administration Scrutinized After Rath Yatra Controversy

The Rath Yatra in Puri, one of India’s most revered pilgrimages, became a political flashpoint on Friday as opposition parties targeted the state’s management of the event. BJD senior leader Pramila Mallik alleged that the traditional flower crown—tahia—was not placed on Lord Jagannath’s idol during the chariot ride, saying the omission offended millions of followers. She dismissed the response of SJT (Sri Jagannath Temple) administrator Arvind Kumar Padi as “unfortunate” and questioned the selective removal of the crown after rain, while the crowns of Balabhadra and Subhadra remained.

Mallik also condemned the tragic death of a devotee at the Marich Kote crowd surge, accusing the government of prioritising VIP protection over crowd safety. The opposition claimed 362 individuals were injured, 122 of them seriously, and demanded a compensation of ₹2 million per deceased family member, along with quality medical care for the injured.

Congress chief Bhakt Charan Das reinforced the criticism, stating that the administration has repeatedly failed to safeguard the Jagannath Temple’s dignity over the past three years. Both parties urged the government to respect the religious feelings of the people and to overhaul the safety and ritual protocols for future yatra events.