By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, once hailed as a model of peace and governance under Naveen Patnaik, now finds itself in chaos. Law and order have deteriorated, corruption is rampant, and governance seems to have lost direction under the Mohan Majhi government. From recruitment scams to rising crime rates, from the breakdown of health and education to widespread fear among citizens, Odisha today stands at a crossroads of uncertainty.
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently broke his silence, expressing deep pain over the state’s current situation. In a heartfelt message on social media, he wrote that the atmosphere of festivals in Odisha has now turned into one of fear, where people no longer feel safe, even outside their own homes.
He referred to the shocking murder of senior advocate Pitabas Panda in Ganjam, who was shot dead right in front of his house. Naveen called the act “barbaric and tragic,” expressing condolences to the bereaved family. “Such incidents,” he said, “have terrified common people.”
The former CM also mentioned the horrific rape case in Rourkela, the shocking incident inside a Lakshmi bus in Konas, and the growing communal tension in Cuttack, a city once known for harmony. Naveen said that each of these incidents reflects a complete collapse of the state’s law and order machinery.
He also condemned the massive irregularities in the Police SI recruitment examination, calling it a betrayal of the youth. “This ₹250-crore scam has shattered the morale of aspirants and exposed the government’s failure to maintain transparency and accountability in public recruitment,” he said.
Naveen’s message concluded with a powerful question to the ruling BJP government: “Why has the government failed to take exemplary action to stop crime and restore people’s confidence?”
Indeed, the silence and inaction of the current government have raised serious questions. In just sixteen months, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s administration has witnessed a sharp rise in murders, rapes, scams, and social unrest. People now recall the stability, peace, and governance that marked the Naveen era.
Odisha’s identity as a peaceful state is under threat, and Naveen’s emotional words echo the sentiment of millions, that his Odisha, once disciplined and safe, has now become unrecognisable
Odisha’s people are watching closely, wondering when leadership will rise above politics and restore the state’s dignity, safety, and peace.
