The chief minister asked Housing and Urban Development Minister Puspendra Singhdeo, Health and Family Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Energy Minister Pranab Prakash Das and Law Minister Arun Sahu to directly monitor the Nabakalebara infrastructure work and car festival, said BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Dev.
Patnaik took the decision after meeting the law minister, who is in the line of fire for the delay in Brahma Paribartan (transfer of soul substance from old idols to new ones).
The three other ministers also met the chief minister and were directed to look after the car festival, said Deb.
After the mismanagement during the Nabakalebar festival, the government is trying to conduct the car festival smoothly to save it from further embarrassment, said BJD sources.
While the Brahma Paribartan of Lord Jagannath and his siblings was scheduled to be performed on the midnight of June 15, the secret ritual was held in daytime on June 16 causing resentment among the general public.
The state government is expecting a congregation of about 25 lakh people on the car festival day.
However, the opposition parties are still adamant on their demand for the resignation of the law minister, who they blamed for the mess during Brahma Paribartan.
Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan reiterated his party’s demand for the immediate sacking of the law minister and the resignation of the chief minister, holding them accountable for the fiasco.
Meanwhile, the Puri Bar Association sought the immediate sacking of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief for the Brahma Paribartan mess. They have also given a ‘bandh’ call on Wednesday. (IANS)