Opposition Heads to CM House After Puri Mishap

Puri: Tensions escalated in Odisha on Monday as several opposition parties began marching toward the Chief Minister’s residence following a tragic mishap during the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra. The incident, which claimed multiple lives and left several injured, triggered sharp criticism of the state government’s handling of the event.

The opposition alleged serious lapses in crowd control, emergency services, and overall planning of the grand religious procession. In protest, leaders from parties including the BJP and Congress announced a march to the CM’s residence, demanding accountability and immediate action against officials responsible for the mismanagement.

Senior BJP leader Jaynarayan Mishra said, “What happened at the Rath Yatra is a clear result of negligence. Every year, this festival is held with grandeur and precision. How did things go so wrong this time? People have lost lives. We want answers.”

Visuals from Puri showed large numbers of protesters gathering with placards, some chanting slogans against the ruling BJD government. Heavy police deployment was seen near the CM’s residence in anticipation of the march. Barricades were put in place and senior police officials were present to monitor the situation closely.

Congress state president Sarat Pattanayak also slammed the government, calling the mishap “unforgivable” and accusing the administration of failing to protect devotees. “Every year, lakhs gather for this sacred event. This level of mismanagement is inexcusable,” he said.

Meanwhile, the state government has ordered a high-level probe into the incident. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced compensation for the victims’ families. However, the opposition continues to press for resignations and criminal accountability.

Puri Rath Yatra is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, and the tragedy has raised serious concerns about public safety during mass events. Political analysts say this could become a turning point in the state’s political climate, especially with elections approaching.

The protest march by opposition parties was still ongoing at the time of this report, with authorities urging restraint and appealing for peace amid rising political tensions.