Sat Jun 28 13:07:31 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik criticized the current Mohan Majhi government for mismanagement during the annual Rath Yatra festival in Puri. The festival was marred by delays in pulling the chariots, injuries to devotees, and alleged interference from ruling party members. Patnaik expressed concern over the disarray and hoped for introspection by the government. The issues included the Nandighosha chariot not reaching its destination by sunset, overcrowding potentially caused by ministers providing excessive inner cordon passes to supporters, and hundreds of devotees requiring hospitalization due to heat exhaustion and a stampede. Allegations are surfacing that the BJP’s interference in the festival’s organization contributed to the problems, despite extensive security measures and preparatory meetings.

**News Article:**

**Rath Yatra Festivities Marred by Chaos, Former CM Criticizes Odisha Government**

**BHUBANESWAR, June 28, 2025** – The annual Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, was plagued by disarray this year, drawing sharp criticism from former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The event, a deeply sacred festival for Odias, saw significant delays, injuries to devotees, and accusations of mismanagement against the current Mohan Majhi government.

Patnaik, recovering from a procedure in Mumbai, voiced his concerns on social media, stating, “May Mahaprabhu (lord) Jagannath forgive all those responsible for the terrible mess that has overshadowed this divine festival this year. I hope it leads to deep introspection by all in government.”

The issues began on Friday when the Nandighosha chariot, carrying Lord Jagannath, failed to reach its intended destination before sunset, a critical violation of ritual. Reports suggest overcrowding was a major factor, exacerbated by allegations that two ministers provided inner cordon passes to numerous supporters.

“That understandably has left lakhs of devotees who came from all over the world to witness this unique event completely disenchanted and disillusioned. Hundreds of devotees also got injured due to poor crowd management,” Patnaik noted.

Furthermore, over 700 devotees were hospitalized due to heat exhaustion and a stampede-like situation, highlighting potential failures in crowd control and safety measures.

While the government deployed over 200 platoons of police and formed a high-powered committee to oversee the event, the situation spiraled out of control. Allegations are now emerging that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) exerted excessive interference in the organization of the religious festival, potentially contributing to the unrest.

The Hindu has reached out to the current government for comment but has yet to receive a response. The incidents have sparked outrage among devotees and raised serious questions about the organization and management of one of Odisha’s most important cultural events.

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