The tragic stampede near the Shree Gundicha Temple in Puri during the Rath Yatra on June 29, 2025, which claimed at least three lives and injured over 50 devotees, has triggered a political uproar and widespread demands for accountability.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi issued a heartfelt public apology to Lord Jagannath’s devotees, expressing deep remorse and seeking forgiveness for the incident. He vowed a thorough investigation into the security failures and pledged strict action against those responsible. As immediate relief, the CM announced a compensation of ₹25 lakh to the families of the deceased and initiated administrative changes, including the suspension of two senior police officers and the transfer of the district collector and superintendent of police.
Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das slammed the government for its inadequate planning and poor execution. He alleged that mismanagement had halted the progress of Lord Jagannath’s chariot and that VIP movements had disrupted the spiritual focus of the festival. Das demanded accountability and urged that future celebrations center around the devotees, not dignitaries.
Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the incident, describing it as a result of “gross negligence and mismanagement.” He offered condolences to the bereaved families, wished the injured a speedy recovery, and noted that this tragedy followed earlier reports of injuries during the same festival.
Former Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik expressed his sorrow, stating the incident reflected the current government’s failure to ensure a smooth and secure Rath Yatra. He joined other leaders in extending condolences and support to the affected families.
Eyewitness accounts and local feedback strongly criticized the handling of the event, citing poor crowd control, lack of emergency preparedness, and the complications arising from VIP protocols as key contributors to the disaster. The stampede has reignited urgent calls for stronger crowd safety measures and greater administrative accountability during large-scale religious events in Odisha.