BHUBANESWAR: The opposition parties, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, on Friday, criticized the BJP government in Odisha, alleging severe mismanagement during the recent Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath held in Puri.

During a debate on an adjournment motion in the Assembly, Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Rama Chandra Kadam accused the BJP of attempting to cover up an incident that occurred during the ‘pahandi’ (ceremonial procession) ritual of Lord Balabhadra. Kadam claimed that the idol of Lord Balabhadra fell while being moved from the chariot to the Adapa Mandap of the Gundicha temple on July 9.

Kadam pointed out that the BJP, which gained power in the name of Lord Jagannath, failed to manage the Rath Yatra properly, resulting in the unfortunate incident. The opposition has demanded accountability and measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.