Odisha Opposition Leader Accuses Government of Law and Order Failures, Citing Governor’s Son Incident

The leader of the opposition in Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, has accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order, citing a series of incidents including communal violence, a liquor tragedy, and an alleged assault by the governor’s son. Patnaik, who is also the president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), referred to several incidents that he believes have damaged communal harmony and effective governance. He highlighted the recent murder in Khurda district and the incident involving the governor’s son who allegedly assaulted a government official during the Ratha Yatra festival. Patnaik questioned the government’s response to these events, suggesting a double standard in applying the law to those in power. The chief minister, who also holds the home portfolio, has not yet responded directly to these allegations.