The recent reshuffle of superintendents of police in 10 districts of Odisha, following law and order issues across the state, has ignited a political blame game. The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress have accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order, drawing a sharp rebuttal from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against criminals.
Opposition Allegations
BJD MLA from Kendrapada, Ganeswar Behera, alleged that police actions have been politically influenced. He stated, “Criminals have no fear of law and police. In some cases, only lower-rung personnel are punished whereas senior officers are shielded.” This was an indirect reference to senior IPS officers of the commissionerate police who escaped accountability in the recent lynching of a railway constable in Balianta.
Former Congress state president Niranjan Patnaik echoed similar concerns, citing Saturday’s alleged attack on the convoy of BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain in Tigiria block of Cuttack district. “People in the state are spending sleepless nights over rising crimes. Unless the government takes action against criminals and erring police officers, law and order will further worsen,” Patnaik warned.
BJP’s Rebuttal
Dismissing the criticisms as politically motivated, BJP MLA from Ekamra-Bhubaneswar, Babu Singh, accused rivals of sensationalising crime incidents for social media traction. “The opposition parties want to take political mileage by sharing crime incidents online. Their objective is to score likes and shares. But their actions are spreading fear among citizens,” Singh said.
The BJP further alleged that during Naveen Patnaik’s 24-year rule, criminals enjoyed immunity, whereas under incumbent Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s leadership, offenders are being arrested within 24 to 48 hours.
Recent Incidents
The political blame game comes in the wake of two shocking incidents: the Balianta lynching of a railway constable in front of police personnel, and the public assault on a man and his girlfriend in Berhampur. During the review of the state’s law and order, which took place thrice in the past month, Chief Minister Majhi instructed police to act tough against criminals and instil fear of law enforcement.
