Odisha Govt Replaces SJTA Chief Administrator Following Puri Adapa Mandap Bije Mishap
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has appointed Arabinda Padhee as the new chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), replacing Veer Vikram Yadav. This decision comes in the wake of a controversial incident during the recent Rath Yatra festival, where Lord Balabhadra slipped on the ‘charamala’ of the chariot during the ‘Adapa Bije Pahandi’ ritual.
Padhee, who currently serves as Agriculture Secretary, will take on this additional role until further notice. He previously held the SJTA chief position from 2012 to 2014, implementing significant changes such as prohibiting devotees from climbing chariots during Rath Yatra.
The incident has sparked a political debate, with Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik expressing concern in a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi. Patnaik emphasized the emotional impact on devotees worldwide and criticized some ministers’ dismissive comments about the incident.
In response, CM Majhi acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that steps would be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future. He welcomed suggestions from the opposition to ensure smooth conduct of remaining rituals.
A three-member inquiry panel has been formed by the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee to investigate the incident. The panel is expected to submit its findings within 10 days after Niladri Bije.
