'Is Goondaraj Reigning in Odisha?': Naveen Patnaik Slams Govt
Former CM Naveen Patnaik questions if goondaraj is ruling Odisha after a violent attack on BJD leader Pranab Balabantaray in Jajpur.
Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik has launched a blistering attack on the state government, questioning whether "goondaraj" (rule of thugs) has taken hold in Odisha. The political firestorm follows a violent assault on former Dharmasala MLA and BJD leader Pranab Balabantaray.
Patnaik expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation, alleging that deadly attacks on public representatives are occurring in broad daylight while the administration and police remain mere silent spectators.
"Who is Giving Criminals This Audacity?"
In a scathing post on X, the BJD chief highlighted the brazen nature of the incident, which took place in Madhupurgad under the Jenapur police station jurisdiction. He questioned the very foundation of the rule of law in the state.
"Deadly attacks are being carried out on public representatives in broad daylight, the police are silent, the government is silent—is goondaraj reigning in Odisha? The attack on Biju Janata Dal leader and former Dharmasala MLA Pranab Balabantaray in Madhupurgad under Jenapur police station is utterly condemnable."
Patnaik further alleged that the safety of both elected officials and ordinary citizens is currently in jeopardy. He pointed out that the attacks seem to be occurring almost in the presence of the police, leading him to ask, "Who is giving this audacity to criminals? Is the rule of law or the rule of goons prevailing in Odisha?"
Allegations of Political Motivation
The incident occurred during a 'Jan Sampark Padyatra' (public outreach march) in the Jajpur district. According to the complaint lodged by Pranab Balabantaray with the Jajpur Superintendent of Police, the attack was politically motivated.
Key details of the incident include:
- Time and Location: The attack took place around 3:00 PM in the Gadmadhupur area of Madhupurgarh Gram Panchayat.
- The Assault: A group of unidentified miscreants pelted bricks and stones at the convoy.
- Damage: Three vehicles were severely damaged, including the car belonging to Balabantray.
- The Allegation: In his written complaint, Balabantray claimed that local MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahu was the mastermind behind the attack.
A Warning to the Government
The BJD chief noted that such incidents are no longer isolated to Dharmasala but are becoming a recurring pattern across the entire state of Odisha. He accused the government of condoning criminal acts by failing to take exemplary action.
"What does the government want: for peaceful Odisha to turn turbulent? Why is the government condoning such criminal acts? Why are exemplary actions not being taken?" Patnaik asked.
Concluding with a stern political warning, the former Chief Minister asserted that the citizens of Odisha are closely monitoring the state's descent into anarchy and will provide a "fitting response" to what he described as misrule.