Bhubaneswar, July 18 -- The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP government in Odisha, alleging that it has failed to conduct the Puri Rath Yatra in a flawless manner for three consecutive years and has attempted to cover up administrative lapses instead of accepting responsibility.
In a statement issued here, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty alleged that all three Rath Yatras held since the BJP assumed office, including this year's festival, were marred by serious lapses that have hurt the sentiments of millions of Lord Jagannath devotees and raised questions over the government's ability to manage the world-famous annual festival.
He said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's assurance that this ye...