Bhubaneswar: Hours after the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik flagged concerns over Pahandi mishap during Adapa Mandap Bije of Rath Yatra, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi responded to him by welcoming the former’s suggestion to ensure no repetition of such lapses.
Writing back to Patnaik, Majhi said that Jagannath devotees across the globe were saddened by what happened on Tuesday during Adapa Pahandi ritual of Lord Balabadhra.
“It is quite natural that the incident must hurt you. I am also deeply grieved,” Majhi wrote.
The CM further stated that he had sent deputy chief minister Pravati Parida and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan to Puri to take stock of the situation soon after the incident. Majhi said that he has suggested everyone involved in the ritual to be extra careful to prevent such lapses.
Majhi accepted Patnaik’s suggestion with due respect for smooth conduct of all rituals of the Holy Trinity.
Earlier in the day, LoP Patnaik wrote to the Chief Minister, raising concerns over the mishap during ‘Pahandi’ ritual for Adapa Mandap of Lord Balabhadra.
Patnaik asked CM Majhi to take “personal responsibility” of the incident.
In his letter, Naveen stated that all Jagannath lovers including him from all over the world was deeply hurt by the unforeseen incident that took place when Bada Thakura was taken to Adapa Mandapa.
Patnaik wrote that such heart-wrenching incident was unheard of during thousands of years of history of Rath Yatra.
Criticising the “casual comments” by some Cabinet ministers, Patnaik said that such callous statement on a sensitive subject has doubled the grief of Jagannatha devotees.
“In this context, I would urge you to take personal responsibility yourself and ensure that such an incident does not recur. I believe your exemplary steps in this direction will help in reassuring crores of devotees of Lord Jagannatha,” Patnaik added.
