Odisha: BJD MP Sulata Deo slams BJP-led government over worsening law and order

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], September 2 (ANI): Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo on Monday criticised the BJP-led government in the state, alleging a deteriorating law and order situation in Odisha.

She also stated that a team of BJD members had met the Director General of Police (DGP) regarding the issue.

Speaking to ANI on Monday, Sulata Deo said, "Since the BJP came to power, the law and order situation in the state has been worsening. We met the DGP today and submitted a memorandum outlining our concerns."

Citing recent incidents in the state, Sulata Deo remarked, "There have been several incidents recently that suggest issues with law and order in the state. For instance, the recent violence and humiliation of a government officer in Puri by the governor's son, communal violence in various places, and the liquor tragedy in Ganjam district. All these incidents have occurred since the BJP took power."

Earlier in the day, BJD leader Lekhashree Samantsinghar also criticised the BJP in the state for failing to curb crimes against women.

Speaking to ANI, Samantsinghar said, "Since the BJP government was formed in Odisha, and given that they refer to it as a 'double-engine' government, everyone expected good governance. However, crimes against women in the state are increasing."

The BJD leader mentioned other incidents of alleged sexual assault in Khordha and Bhubaneswar, also highlighting the case of the alleged sexual assault and murder of a minor girl in Balasore.

"Unfortunately, on August 27, a 10-year-old tribal girl from Balasore was brutally raped and killed in the district," she said.

The BJD leader further alleged that even after the family had reported the incident to the police, no action was taken by the authorities.

"When this incident occurred, the family reported it to the police, but no action was taken. The police only seized the victim's body after four days of inaction," the BJD leader stated.

Samantsinghar also mentioned that the Chief Minister had planned to visit Remunda, but after the incident, the visit was cancelled.

"The Chief Minister was supposed to visit Remunda, but after this incident, he didn't go. Other members of the state cabinet also did not visit the area; neither the child development minister nor any other minister visited. So, all the talk about the development of women and Adivasis being promoted by the government is false—they're actually doing nothing. The government is trying to cover up the case," she alleged.

Earlier, former Chief Minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik also addressed the law and order situation in the state during his speech in the State Assembly, focusing on the alleged sexual assault and murder of a minor.

"During my tenure, no one was above the law. Nobody could escape justice. The current Chief Minister holds the home portfolio, and I hope all these incidents will be reported to him, including the recent rape and murder of a minor," read a statement by the BJD chief in a post on X. (ANI)