Bhubaneswar, July 11: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday responded to Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Pahandi mishap of Lord Balabhadra in Puri saying he has utmost regards for the suggestions received from the latter.
Majhi said upon learning about the mishap during the 'Adapa Bije Pahandi' (procession of carrying the deity) of Lord Balabhadra, he directed Deputy Chief Minister Prabhati Parida and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan to go to Puri immediately and also advised everyone to take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
In a reply letter to Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, CM Majhi said, “I have carefully read the letter you wrote to me regarding this matter. Together, we will ensure the proper execution of all the services for the holy trinity and Sri Gundicha Yatra. Your advice will always be received with the utmost respect.”
Lord Jagannath is not only a symbol of Odia Asmita but also the Lord of the entire world. The mishap that occurred during this year's 'Adapa Bije Pahandi' ritual has saddened people worldwide. It is natural that you are upset about this incident, and I too am deeply saddened, added Majhi in the letter.
Earlier today, Naveen had requested CM Majhi to take exemplary steps over the mishap through a letter.
He had also added that the hollow comments made by certain State Cabinet Ministers regarding the mishap have doubled the devotees' grief, deeply hurting their emotions.
Worth mentioning, during the 'Adapa Bije Pahandi' ceremony following the Rath Yatra in Puri, several servitors were injured when Lord Balabhadra's idol fell on them. The incident occurred as the deities were being transferred from their chariots to the Adapa Mandap of the Gundicha temple on Tuesday evening. Specifically, while moving Lord Balabhadra's idol from the Taladhwaja chariot using the temporary ramp, Charamala, it slipped and caused injuries to several servitors. The injured were promptly taken to Puri hospital for treatment.
