Why Odisha's Political Parties Are Demanding an Apology Over Delhi's Rath Yatra

Political Tensions Rise Over Rath Yatra in Delhi

Bhubaneswar: The ruling BJD and the Odisha Congress have united in their criticism of the BJP, demanding an apology from Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for hosting a Rath Yatra in the capital that they deem inappropriate.

Gupta participated in the Rath Yatra celebration at Kamla Nagar in Delhi on Sunday, which diverged from the traditional schedule observed at the Jagannath temple in Puri, where the event is set for June 27 this year.

During a press conference, Bhakta Charan Das, the president of the Odisha Congress, stated, “The Delhi Chief Minister owes an apology to the people of Odisha for this premature Rath Yatra.”

He further urged the BJP to clarify their stance on the matter and hold Gupta accountable.

Das accused the BJP of disrespecting Lord Jagannath and questioned their sincerity in devotion, asking, “Is the BJP's reverence for Lord Jagannath genuine or merely a performance?”

He recalled that the titular king of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, had opposed ISKCON's attempt to hold a Rath Yatra in Houston last November, which was ultimately canceled due to backlash from Jagannath devotees.

Senior BJD member Goutam Buddha Das also condemned the BJP for the timing of the Rath Yatra in Delhi, asserting, “They came to power by invoking Lord Jagannath's name, yet they now organize this untimely event in Delhi, which the chief minister inaugurated.”

He questioned why the state BJP leadership has not condemned the event or cautioned the Delhi Chief Minister.

Das pointed out the hypocrisy of the BJP, recalling their strong objections when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee named a temple Jagannath Dham in Digha.

In response, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan remarked that such an event had never occurred in New Delhi before, emphasizing that all major Jagannath temples in the city follow the traditional schedule set by the Puri temple.

He assured that the Odisha government takes immediate action to prevent any untimely Rath Yatra, citing previous interventions in Odisha's Nuapada district and abroad.

Harichandan warned that legal action would be pursued against anyone who continues to organize the Rath Yatra outside the designated time, despite government requests.