New Delhi, June 29 (UNI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge today expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede that occurred during the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, which claimed the lives of three devotees and left many injured.
In a post on X, Kharge conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
He termed the incident as a result of “negligence and mismanagement,” calling it “inexcusable.”
“I am deeply pained by the stampede during the Mahaprabhu Jagannath Rath Yatra, which claimed three lives and injured at least 50 people. This tragedy follows reports of 500 devotees being injured on Friday during the yatra," Kharge said.
He said, "My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. I wish a speedy recovery to all the injured devotees. The negligence and mismanagement that led to this tragedy are inexcusable".
Calling for a full and transparent probe into the incidents leading to the stampede, Kharge urged the state government and authorities to hold those responsible accountable under the law.
The Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition said, "The State Government and authorities must conduct a thorough investigation into the grave lapses that caused this incident. Ensuring public safety and effective crowd management is paramount, especially during pre-planned festivities. Those responsible for this tragedy must be held accountable under the law".
He also affirmed the Congress party’s solidarity with the devotees and assured support for all efforts aimed at providing relief, medical care, and aid to the affected families.
"The Congress Party stands in solidarity with the devotees and commits to supporting all efforts to provide relief, medical assistance, and aid to the affected families," he added.
As many as three devotees died and at least fifty others injured in a stampede near Sri Gundicha Temple in Odisha’s Puri during Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra today. The incident occurred around 4 AM when a large number of devotees surged towards Saradhabali to have darshan of the deities on their respective chariots.
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