Chandigarh witnessed chaotic scenes during the Chhath Puja celebrations as devotees faced significant hardships due to what many are calling inadequate arrangements by local authorities. The controversy has particularly targeted BJP leader and Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, whom critics have dubbed a "reel minister" for his social media presence versus ground reality.
Chaos at Paragpur Ghat
Thousands of devotees who gathered at Paragpur Ghat for the sacred Chhath Puja rituals found themselves struggling with basic amenities. Eyewitnesses reported insufficient lighting, poor sanitation facilities, and inadequate transportation arrangements that left many passengers stranded and frustrated.
"The arrangements were completely insufficient for the number of devotees who arrived," said one attendee. "We expected better planning from our elected representatives, especially for such an important religious occasion."
Political Backlash Intensifies
The situation has sparked significant political criticism, with opposition parties and local residents questioning Bittu's effectiveness as a representative. The term "reel minister" has gained traction on social media platforms, suggesting that the leader is more active online than in addressing real-world problems faced by constituents.
Critics point to the contrast between the minister's social media updates and the ground situation at the festival venue. Many have taken to various platforms to express their disappointment with the administrative preparedness.
Devotees Bear the Brunt
Families, including elderly members and children, who had traveled significant distances to participate in the rituals, reported facing numerous challenges. The lack of proper facilities forced many to cut short their religious observances or make alternative arrangements at personal cost.
"We come here every year with great devotion, but this time the experience was marred by poor planning," shared another devotee. "Basic amenities like clean drinking water and proper seating arrangements were noticeably absent."
Growing Public Discontent
The incident has amplified existing concerns about infrastructure and public facility management in Chandigarh. Local residents are demanding better coordination between different government departments and more proactive planning for major public events.
As the criticism continues to mount, all eyes are on how the administration and political leadership will respond to these concerns and what measures will be taken to prevent similar situations during future religious celebrations in the city.
