While uncertainty looms large over holding of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath this year scheduled on June 23 due to the lockdown for the Covid-19 pandemic, the State Government on Wednesday sought permission from the Centre for construction of chariots.
The decision came after the temple administration wrote to the State Law Department seeking its permission to start chariot construction work with strict adherence of lockdown and social distancing norms.
However, the State Government was so far silent on construction work of chariots despite appeal of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee and Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb.
The committee had also expressed concern over the matter as the Rath making work had already been delayed by eight days. They apprehend that the work may not be completed in time.
Chariot head carpenter Bijay Maharana said that since the Government is yet to respond to the Rath construction issue, it seems it is impossible to complete the job by the requisite day of May 15.
Senior Daitapati servitor Binayak Das Mohapatra took a swipe at the State Government for its move seeking the Centre’s permission for RathYatra when the State itself is the sole stakeholder of this holy event.