BJD Accuses BJP Government of Failing to Maintain Law and Order in Odisha

Bhubaneswar – The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha, alleging a severe breakdown in law and order across the state. Accusing BJP leaders of shielding criminals, BJD spokesperson Dr. Lenin Mohanty expressed concerns over the rising crime rate and the inefficiency of law enforcement agencies.

Addressing a press conference, Dr. Mohanty cited multiple incidents from Bhubaneswar, Kabisuryanagar, Korei, and Purusottampur as evidence of increasing lawlessness. He alleged that BJP leaders were influencing the police, allowing criminals to operate with impunity. He warned that such political interference was emboldening criminals and fostering a culture of fear among the public.

Quoting the state government’s latest White Paper, Mohanty pointed out that Odisha has witnessed an 8 percent rise in rape cases compared to the previous year, surpassing the national average. He criticized the government for its failure to curb rising instances of communal violence, murder, robbery, and highway thefts. Highlighting the recent Holi festival, he noted that eight murders were reported during the celebrations, yet law enforcement failed to take swift action.

Dr. Mohanty further mentioned a shocking incident in Bharatpur, Bhubaneswar, where a group of youths allegedly attacked police personnel, further undermining public confidence in law enforcement. In another case in Korei, a police officer attempting to arrest a thief was assaulted by a woman, raising serious questions about the police force’s effectiveness.

The BJD leader also referred to two brutal murders—one in Kabisuryanagar, where a BJP leader was shot dead, and another in Purusottampur—emphasizing the deteriorating security situation in the state. He criticized the Chief Minister, who oversees the Home Department, for his silence on these issues. Mohanty suggested that if the Chief Minister found managing the Home Department overwhelming, he should step down and delegate responsibilities to a more capable leader.

“If even the police are not safe, how can ordinary citizens expect to feel secure?” Mohanty questioned, vowing that the BJD would continue to highlight these issues until concrete steps were taken to restore law and order in Odisha.

Responding to the allegations, Odisha’s Law Minister Prithivraj Harichandan refuted the claims, stating that the crime rate had actually reduced under the BJP government. He accused the BJD of misleading the public for political gains, asserting that the government was committed to ensuring law and order in the state.