The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha has demanded a judicial inquiry into the deaths of devotees during the Rath Yatra in Puri on July 16. The party blames the BJP-led government for the tragic incident, alleging mismanagement of the renowned festival.
State BJD Vice President Sanjay Kumar Das Burma and party Spokesperson Dr Lenin Mohanty expressed sorrow over the devotees’ deaths, stating that it has deeply affected Lord Jagannath’s followers worldwide. They criticized the state government for allegedly concealing facts related to the incident.
Das Burma claimed that the government failed to disclose the actual events during the Rath Yatra and the precise number of casualties. He also mentioned that post-mortem reports contradicted the Health Minister’s statements regarding the cause of deaths. The BJD demanded transparency through a public release of the inquiry report and called for the resignation of key ministers.
The opposition party questioned the government’s handling of the festival, highlighting administrative failures and deviations from established rituals. They emphasized the need for accountability and adherence to traditions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
