By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief
Bhubaneswar: A political controversy has erupted in Odisha’s Jajpur district following violent incidents in the Dharamshala Assembly constituency, bringing Chief Minister Mohan Majhi under sharp political scrutiny. The unrest reportedly began after a social media comment, which soon escalated into clashes between rival political supporters.
After a long gap, incidents of political violence have resurfaced in Dharamshala. Tension flared when supporters of Independent MLA Himanshu Shekhar Sahoo and former MLA Pranab Balabantaray allegedly clashed, leading to physical violence and vandalism. The situation worsened after Pranab Balabantaray’s farmhouse was reportedly attacked, resulting in damage to property and injuries on both sides.
Multiple people from both groups sustained injuries in the confrontation, raising concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in the region. The incident has created widespread unease among residents and has quickly turned into a major political issue at the state level.
Reacting strongly, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a protest in front of the office of the Director General of Police in Bhubaneswar. The party demanded the immediate arrest of Himanshu Shekhar Sahu, holding him responsible for the violence. BJD leaders alleged that the incident reflects a failure of governance and accused the state government of shielding influential individuals.
The controversy has also caused political embarrassment for Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, as the issue has put his government on the defensive. Critics argue that the administration’s response will be a crucial test of its commitment to maintaining law and order, regardless of political affiliations.
Adding to the tension, Himanshu Shekhar Sahu openly challenged the state government, daring authorities to arrest him if they had the courage. His statement has further intensified the political atmosphere and fuelled debates over accountability and the rule of law.
As investigations continue, the Dharamshala incident has become more than a local clash. It now stands as a larger political flashpoint, raising serious questions about political conduct, social media influence, and the state’s ability to prevent violence. How the government handles this situation may have lasting implications for public trust and political stability in Odisha.
