Rath halted for 'VIP tug': Delay orchestrated to enable Adani participation, says Opposition

Political sparring has erupted over the delay in pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings on Friday, marking the commencement of the annual Rath Yatra in Puri.

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While the Opposition accused the BJP government of mishandling the event — resulting in delays and injuries to several devotees — the ruling BJP hit back, alleging the Opposition was trying to gain political mileage from a sacred religious event deeply tied to Odisha’s cultural heritage.

Former chief minister Naveen Patnaik posted on X: “We aren't here to point fingers or blame the administration for yesterday’s inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosa chariot. But it's impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our State. It's hard to forget how, last year, Lord Balabhadra’s idol slipped during the Adapa Bije Pahandi — a moment that left countless devotees shaken.”