BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, has called on Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to take decisive action against those responsible for the fall of the Lord Balabhadra idol during the Rath Yatra festival. In a letter sent on Thursday, Patnaik emphasized the gravity of the incident, stating it has “deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees” globally.

Patnaik, who previously served as Odisha’s Chief Minister, expressed his concern and sorrow over the incident. He highlighted the significance of Lord Jagannath and the associated deities in the cultural and spiritual life of Odisha. “Lord Jagannath is the symbol of Odia ‘Asmita’ (pride) and the identity of the people of Odisha,” Patnaik wrote. He described the fall of Lord Balabhadra’s idol during the ‘Pahandi’ procession as unprecedented in the history of the Rath Yatra festival.

The Rath Yatra festival, one of the most prominent and sacred events in Odisha, attracts millions of devotees from around the world. The mishap during the ‘Pahandi’ ritual, where the deities are carried to their chariots, has caused widespread distress among the followers. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and management protocols in place during such significant religious events.

In his letter, Patnaik urged Chief Minister Majhi to conduct a thorough investigation and hold accountable those whose negligence or mismanagement led to this unfortunate incident. He emphasized the need for corrective measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future, preserving the sanctity and smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra.

The state government has yet to issue an official response to Patnaik’s letter. However, sources indicate that an internal review of the incident is already underway. The Chief Minister’s office is expected to address the issue promptly, given the public outcry and the importance of the Rath Yatra festival in Odisha’s cultural and religious calendar.

As the community awaits the government’s response, the incident continues to be a topic of intense discussion and concern among devotees and citizens alike.