Bhubaneswar, 26/10/2026: The plight of thousands of Habishyalis who have arrived in the holy city of Puri, Srikshetra, during the sacred month of Kartika to seek the blessings of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath and observe the Radha Damodar Brata has exposed the mismanagement of the State Government. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has alleged that the BJP Government has repeatedly failed to make the necessary arrangements for the accommodation, food, medical care and darshan of Mahaprabhu for these Habishyalis.
In a press statement, Dr. Lenin Mohanty, Media Coordinator of the party, stated that the State Government has completely failed to provide proper arrangements for Habishyalis over the past three years. This is not merely an instance of administrative mismanagement but also reflects disrespect towards the religious sentiments, traditions and rich Jagannath culture of the people of Odisha. Instead of respecting the faith and religious sentiments of Habishyalis, causing them hardship is deeply distressing. During the Naveen Government, well-organised arrangements were made for the accommodation, food, transportation and darshan of Mahaprabhu for Habishyalis. Elderly women arriving from distant places could stay safely and observe their religious vows without any hindrance. However, today, many Habishyalis are being forced to spend their nights on roadsides and under the open sky due to the lack of accommodation. Denying shelter to many Habishyalis who have not been registered and leaving others helpless because of inadequate arrangements is highly condemnable.
Dr. Mohanty further stated that Habishyalis are not merely beneficiaries of a government scheme; they are the bearers of the religious traditions and spiritual consciousness of our State. The Government’s failure to take into consideration their age, physical difficulties and religious sentiments demonstrates its insensitivity. There is a clear contradiction between the BJP Government’s claims of protecting Odia Asmita and Jagannath culture and its actions and conduct. Adequate accommodation, nutritious food, regular healthcare, safe transportation and well-organised arrangements for darshan of Mahaprabhu must be provided immediately for Habishyalis. No Habishyalis who has travelled from distant places should be left helpless merely because she has not registered. Wherever necessary, additional temporary camps should be established to ensure humane and dignified arrangements for everyone. Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath is the presiding deity worshipped by all. Neglecting the mothers who have come to seek His darshan and observe their religious vows is not merely a failure of administrative responsibility but also a serious humanitarian and religious issue. The Biju Janata Dal stands firmly with the Habishyalis and urges the State Government to resolve their problems immediately. The State Government must act without further delay to uphold the dignity, safety and religious sentiments of Habishyali
s.
