Leader of the Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Thursday expressed grief over the reported death of a devotee during the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 in Puri and urged the Odisha government to strengthen crowd management measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
The statement came after reports of a devotee’s death and injuries to several others amid heavy crowds on Bada Danda during the annual chariot festival.
Naveen Patnaik Offers Condolences
In a post on X, Patnaik said he was deeply saddened by reports of a devotee losing their life amid the large gathering during the Rath Yatra.
He offered prayers for the departed soul and wished a speedy recovery to the injured devotees.
Patnaik also appealed to the government to remain vigilant and improve crowd management so that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Calls for Devotee Safety
The former Odisha Chief Minister stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and convenience of the lakhs of devotees who visit Puri for the annual festival.
He expressed hope that the state administration would take all necessary steps to effectively manage the crowds and facilitate a safe Rath Yatra experience.
BJD Assures Support
Patnaik said that, during this difficult time, workers of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) would extend full cooperation to assist devotees and support relief efforts wherever required.
His remarks came as authorities continued to assess the situation following the reported incident during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Authorities Yet to Issue Detailed Statement
The administration is expected to provide further information regarding the incident after completing its assessment.
Officials have deployed police personnel and emergency response teams across Puri to manage the large influx of devotees attending the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra.
