Opp demand Patnaik's resignation, deployment of central forces

Holding BJD government in Odisha responsible for mismanagement in 'Brahma Parivartan' ritual of Lord Jagannath, opposition parties today sought the resignation of Odisha Chief Minister besides deployment of central forces to ensure smooth Rathayatra next month.
"Traditions of over 1000 years were defied during Brahma Parivartan ritual of Lord Jagannath amid idiscipline and chaos on June 16 which has severely hurt the sentiments of all devotees," Odisha PCC Prasad Harichandan said demanding Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's resignation.
Utter mismanagement was noticed right from the start of Nabakalebara festival with the search for sacred Neem tree to carve out the new idols. Happenings during 'Brahma Parivartan' ritual (change of soul) crossed all limits, he said.

"Therefore, the chief minister should resign on moral ground as his government not only failed to ensure smooth conduct of rituals for the mega festival so far but also committed sin and crime by throwing age-old traditions into redundance," Harichandan said.
Congress stalwart and Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra said the Chief Minister, who is still silent on the issue, has no moral right to remain in office and must step down immediately.
The Congress leaders also demanded a high-level judicial inquiry by a sitting high court judge into the mismanagement in 'Brahma Parivartan' and the entire process. The Chief Justice of Orissa High Court should be requested to spare a sitting judge to probe the episode.

They also announced that Congress activists would observe fast and remain awake from June 26 evening till next morning here to pray to the Lord to forgive all for the mismanagement and to ensure smooth Rathayatra and Nabakalebara festival.