Politics intensifies in Odisha over Lingaraj Temple mishap

Bhubaneswar is experiencing political turmoil following yesterday’s mishap at the Lingaraj Temple. BMC Mayor Sulochana Das held the local administration accountable on Thursday, pointing out their failure to adhere to the traditional practices.

Also Read: What led to mishap during Mahadipa lifting ritual at Lingaraj Temple?

A path to the temple, the civic body chief argued, should have been layered with sand to prevent accidents due to slipping, a custom that appeared to have been neglected by the officials concerned.

BMC Mayor slams administration

“His (the injured servitor) condition is good now, according to the doctors. He is able to speak and he talked with us normally. The administration used to lay sand at the climbing spot, every year. Perhaps, they forgot to lay sand at the spot meant to climb, this year. Previously, 5-6 persons had already climbed up to the temple top; hence oil got smeared on the path. He slipped while trying to climb,” the Mayor said to mediapersons.

However, the Mayor’s remarks have spurred criticism from BJP MLA Babu Singh. He accused Mayor Das of politicising the issue and questioned her involvement with the administration. He called for an end to what he described as 'mud-slinging politics' regarding the famous 16th Century Shaivite shrine.

“I think, politicising the incident would be unjust. By the blessings of the Lord, no major mishap has occurred. The Mayor was with me at the temple for nearly an hour in the afternoon. I had asked her not to enter the temple, when she told me to do so, as there was a heavy rush inside. I had rather asked her to identify the problem areas, so that the problems can be sorted out,” the BJP MLA expressed while speaking to the media.

“The Mayor should have pointed out if she noticed any fault. Being from BMC, is she not a part of the administration?” MLA Singh questioned.

This dispute highlights an underlying political discord in issues, where administrative oversight and adherence to cultural traditions are both under public scrutiny.

The incident has ignited a broader discussion about the responsibilities of local governance and the preservation of religious customs.

Must Read: Mahashivratri: 2 women devotees injured due to heavy rush during darshan at Lingaraj temple

Reacting to this, Congress legislator Sofia Firdous stated, “The government is reviewing, starting from the Chief Minister to the Ministers, in every case. If such things are occurring after the reviews, it implies, either their reviews are making no meaning or they are not reviewing the things properly.”