Amidst the spiritual fervour of Rath Yatra 2025, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik voiced his profound dismay over the disarray witnessed during this year’s revered festival.
While refraining from directly blaming the administration, Patnaik’s statement reflected deep concern over recurring logistical failures.
“We aren’t here to point fingers or blame the administration for yesterday’s inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot. But it’s impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our State,” he remarked in a statement released early Saturday.
Patnaik recalled the distressing mishap of 2024 when Lord Balabhadra’s idol slipped during the Adapa Bije Pahandi procession—an incident that reverberated emotionally across Odisha. “And now this year,” he continued, “we witnessed Nandighosha ratha still standing at the Singhadwar till 7:45 PM, only to move a few metres before the day ended.”
We aren’t here to point fingers or blame the administration for yesterday’s inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot. But it’s impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our State.
It’s hard to forget… pic.twitter.com/VWZ6wvYaZV
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) June 28, 2025
The former CM emphasised the emotional toll on lakhs of devotees who had travelled great distances for this spiritual experience. Eyewitness accounts report that many left disappointed, with nearly a hundred individuals suffering injuries amidst the chaotic crowd handling.
Calling for divine intercession and reflection, Patnaik concluded, “May Mahaprabhu 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.”
As concerns over event management and crowd safety intensify, political and public pressure mounts on the administration to uphold the sanctity and seamless execution of Odisha’s most iconic religious festival.
