Bhubaneswar: A few hours after Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik wrote to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi over the mishap during the Adapa Mandap Bije ritual of Srimandir deities at Puri, the latter replied to the former stating the state government’s commitment to hold the annual Rath Jatra smoothly.

In his reply, the Chief Minister apprised the LoP that all stakeholders have been advised to take the necessary steps to avoid similar incident in future.

“Lord Jagannath is the master of the whole universe. We all have been saddened by the mishap during the Adapa Mandap Bije ritual of the deities at Puri. I fully understand your concern over the incident. Collectively, we will make all efforts for smooth organisation of Rath Jatra and all other rituals of Lord Jagannath,” said the Chief Minister in his reply to the LoP.

Earlier, Patnaik, a five-time former Chief Minister, wrote to Majhi and urged him 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 to the Chief Minister.

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 at Puri on July 9.

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