Bhubaneswar: Expressing concern over the mishap during Adapa Mandap Bije ritual of Srimandir deities at Odisha’s Puri town on July 9, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik today wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Patnaik, a five-time former Chief Minister, has urged Majhi to take necessary steps so that such kind of incident would not be repeated in the future.

“Lord Jagannath is the symbol of Odia Asmita (self-respect). He is the identity and pride of Odia people. Lakhs of devotees from across the globe congregate at Puri to witness the annual Rath Jatra. Crores of people also watch the festival through television and various social media platforms. The mishap during the Adapa Mandap Bije ritual this year has pained devotees. The incident has also saddened me a lot,” said Patnaik in his letter.

The BJD president claimed that such type of incident had not occurred in the history of Jagannath temple.

“The mishap during the Adapa Mandap Bije ritual is a sensitive issue. However, a few ministers have made some light statements in connection with the incident. This has hurt the sentiments of crores of devotees,” stated Patnaik.

Notably, the idol of Lord Balabhadra slipped on the makeshift ladder (Charamala) while being taken to the Adapa Mandap of Srigundicha temple from Taladhwaja chariot thorough Pahandi procession as part of Rath Jatra on July 9.

At least five servitors of the 12th century shrine were injured in the mishap.

However, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan had termed the incident as a ‘minor one’. They also stated that the incident occurred due to the ‘God’s own will’.