Puri: In the wake of the tragic stampede near Gundicha temple in Puri that claimed three lives and left several injured in the early hours of Sunday, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik launched a scathing attack on the Odisha Government, holding it responsible for what he called a "shocking lapse in duty" and a "glaring incompetence".

Patnaik expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

He blamed the state administration for failing to manage the massive crowd during one of the most significant religious events in Odisha.

“Today’s stampede, occurring just a day after the abysmal failure of crowd management during the Rath Yatra that left hundreds injured, exposes the government’s glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful festival for devotees,” Patnaik said.

He also criticised the delayed pulling of Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha chariot on Rath Yatra day, which the authorities reportedly attributed to "Mahaprabhu’s wish". Calling it a “shocking excuse”, Patnaik alleged that such statements only reflect the administration’s complete abdication of responsibility.

Referring to eyewitness accounts, Patnaik pointed out that the initial response to the stampede came not from the government but from the devotees' family members, suggesting a near-total absence of official crowd control and emergency response at the site.

“While I refrain from accusing the government of criminal negligence, their blatant callousness has undeniably contributed to this tragedy,” he said.

The veteran leader urged the government to immediately take corrective steps to ensure the safe conduct of upcoming key rituals such as Adapa Bije, Bahuda Yatra, and Suna Besha, which attract lakhs of devotees to Puri every year.

Naveen Patnaik's statement

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the three devotees who have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Saradhabali, Puri, and I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha for the swift recovery of the devotees injured in this devastating incident.

Today’s stampede, occurring just a day after the abysmal failure of crowd management during the Rath Yatra that left hundreds injured, exposes the government’s glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful festival for devotees. 

Eyewitnesses report that the initial response to this horrific tragedy came from the devotees’ relatives, with no government machinery present to manage the surging crowds, highlighting a shocking lapse in duty.

The inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot on Rath Yatra day was conveniently attributed to "Mahaprabhu’s wish", a shocking excuse that masks the administration’s complete abdication of responsibility.

While I refrain from accusing the government of criminal negligence, their blatant callousness has undeniably contributed to this tragedy.

I urge the government to implement urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth conduct of Adapa Bije, Bahuda, Suna Besha, and other key Rath Yatra rituals."

About the stampede

A stampede near the Gundicha temple in Puri in the early hours of Sunday claimed three lives and left several devotees injured, marring the Rath Yatra festivities.

The incident occurred around 4:00 AM when thousands had gathered near the chariots of Lord Jagannath and His siblings for darshan on Saradhabali.

According to eyewitnesses, a truck carrying wooden logs arrived at the spot, where more than 500 devotees were sitting on plastic mats as they were waiting to have a glimpse of the deities on the chariots after the conclusion of the pahuda ritual.

The situation turned chaotic when workers began unloading wooden logs from the truck, as the limited area became densely filled with people. This triggered panic among the devotees. In the sudden rush that followed, several people were trampled.

Many also alleged lack of adequate police deployment to control the crowd.