By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Odisha, particularly after the shocking incidents that unfolded during the Durga Puja immersion in Cuttack. Calling it “unfortunate and shameful,” Pradhan said that such incidents in a city known for its thousand-year-old brotherhood tradition are not a good sign for the state.
He emphasised that the state government must treat this as a highly sensitive issue and take strict action against those responsible. Pradhan appealed to the people of Odisha to maintain restraint, peace, and social harmony, adding that it is everyone’s duty to protect the glorious legacy of Cuttack.
However, recent events paint a grim picture of governance in the state. Just last night, senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda was shot dead at point-blank range in Berhampur. Even after more than 15 hours, police have failed to trace the assailants. BJD leaders allege that the murder was pre-planned — CCTV cameras near the crime spot were removed beforehand, and both the local IIC and district SP were reportedly on leave at the time.
BJD spokesperson Bhrugu Baxipatra termed the incident as “a total failure of the intelligence and law enforcement system.” He revealed that Ganjam district has recorded 128 murders in just 16 months of the Mohan Majhi government. He further said, “During Naveen Patnaik’s tenure, peace had returned to Ganjam, but today the police have become helpless. Despite having 11 BJP MLAs, one MP, and two ministers from Ganjam, the government failed to protect even its own party’s advocate.”
Panda, who had earlier requested personal security due to threats, reportedly received no response from the government.
Meanwhile, lawlessness continues to spread. A shocking assault inside a Lakshmi Bus in Konas has sparked outrage. The state’s Transport Minister, who hails from Ganjam, has faced questions over safety lapses. Illegal sand and mineral smuggling rackets continue unchecked under the watch of Mining Minister Bibhuti Jena, who maintains that “no culprit will be spared” yet no major arrests have been made so far.
Adding to the chaos, the SI recruitment scam also emerged from Ganjam, raising questions about the transparency of government hiring. In another alarming development, two inmates escaped from Choudwar Jail, and murders were reported in Bisra and Bhubaneswar on the same day.
Cuttack, once known as the “city of brotherhood” is now witnessing communal tension, while crimes in other parts of the state go unabated.
Odisha today is standing at a dangerous crossroad marked by violence, administrative failure, and public fear. The BJP government, which came to power promising strong governance and security, now faces its toughest test.
It is time for Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and his cabinet to move beyond words and take decisive, exemplary action to restore law and order. The people of Odisha deserve peace, not promises.
