Naveen Patnaik takes on BJP over communal tensions in Odisha: 'Shortly after...'

Odisha Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Saturday slammed the BJP government over recent incidents of communal tensions and pointed out that the state was known for peace and harmony.

Citing the multiple incidents in Balasore district and the recent murder of a man in Khurda district, the former Odisha Chief Minister called for immediate corrective measures to restore communal harmony in the state.

Speaking during a debate on the demand for grants for the Home Department in the Assembly, Patnaik pointed out that several communal incidents have occurred in Odisha since the BJP government took office.

"Shortly after this government took office, there was a communal incident, several communal incidents in Balasore district, also in other parts of Odisha. Recently, a communal incident took place where a man was murdered in the Khurda district. This should be rectified," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Emphasising that Odisha is known for its communal peace and harmony, Patnaik insisted that this must be preserved at all costs.

He further accused the government of inaction regarding an incident involving Governor Raghubar Das's son, who allegedly "violently attacked and humiliated" an officer during the Rath Yatra in Puri.

Patnaik's remarks highlighted concerns over the BJP government's handling of the communal tensions in the state.

"I have a question. If you are the Governor's son or minister's son, or an MP or MLA's son or a senior officer's son, is the law different for such a person? Is he immune to any prosecution? If this is the case, then the people of Odisha should be informed that certain people are above the law," he stated.

The 77-year-old leader claimed that during his tenure as Chief Minister, no one was above the law.

"Anyone found guilty was punished. The present Chief Minister holds the Home portfolio. I hope all these matters should be informed, including the recent rape and murder of a minor. These are all serious matters and never occurred during our government. We followed the law of the land,” Patnaik said.

Expressing concerns over the toppling of the idol of Lord Balabhadra during the Rath Yatra in Puri, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief stated, "This incident has hurt millions and millions of people in the state and the country."

Highlighting the recent spurious liquor incident that claimed three lives in Ganjam district, Patnaik remarked, "During our time, we consistently cracked down on illicit liquor across the state."

(With inputs from PTI.)