BHUBANESWAR: Former chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the state government, accusing it of surrendering Odisha's administration to criminal elements. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly retaliated, alleging that Patnaik's own 24-year tenure had provided a safe haven for lawbreakers.
Naveen's Remarks on Berhampur Assault
Patnaik's comments came in response to a brazen assault on a man and his female friend in Berhampur on Monday evening. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has sparked widespread outrage. In a post on X, Patnaik wrote, 'Odisha is witnessing a terrifying spectacle of anarchy. It doesn't feel like BJP rule. Goondaraj is rampant. The brazen attack on a man and woman in Berhampur has shaken the people of Odisha. It seems the BJP government has surrendered the state to criminals, emboldening them to commit brutal acts.' He questioned the effectiveness of the police force in maintaining law and order.
BJP's Counterattack
The BJP dismissed the allegations as baseless. Aska MLA Saroj Kumar Padhi hit back, asserting that lawlessness had peaked during the Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) regimes. 'For 24 years, Naveen Patnaik's government gave criminals a free run. Even those guilty of heinous crimes were not arrested. The BJD created such a mess that we are now paying the price. It will take time to cleanse the goondaraj they left behind,' Padhi stated.
Political Fallout
The exchange highlights the escalating political tension in Odisha, with both parties trading accusations over the deteriorating law and order situation. The Berhampur incident has become a flashpoint, with the opposition demanding strict action against the perpetrators and the government defending its track record.
About the Author: Debabrata Mohapatra is an Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Bhubaneswar. He has been writing for TOI from Puri since 2006 before joining the Bhubaneswar bureau in August 2010. He covers crime, law and order, and Congress.
