Is Cuttack Violence a BJP-Sponsored Polarisation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cuttack violence has sparked political outrage and accusations against the BJP.
- Opposition leaders claim that the BJP is intentionally fostering communal divisions.
- A curfew has been enacted in key locations to prevent further unrest.
- Four individuals sustained injuries amid the clashes.
- Essential services remain operational despite the curfew.
New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) The political climate intensified on Monday regarding the Cuttack violence, with opposition leaders criticizing the BJP for allegedly orchestrating unrest for its own political advantage.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari expressed outrage over the incident, claiming it was a calculated move to ignite communal rifts.
“The community is currently living in harmony. Nevertheless, the BJP is intentionally fostering polarisation. This entire situation is designed to incite divisions, with the BJP government backing it,” Tiwari remarked.
In a similar vein, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi pointed out that the clashes reflect the BJP's purported tactic to fracture societal unity along communal lines.
“This incident is deeply regrettable. It demonstrates that every time the BJP assumes power, it seeks to drive a wedge between people. Violence of this nature has not been witnessed in Odisha’s history. Under Naveen Patnaik's leadership, we never encountered clashes triggered by polarisation,” she added.
The statements followed violent confrontations in Cuttack on Sunday between various Hindu group members and police during a protest rally at Dargha Bazar, where an earlier attack on a Durga Puja idol procession occurred on Friday night.
In reaction to the escalating unrest, authorities imposed a curfew in multiple sensitive zones for 36 hours, starting Sunday evening.
During a press briefing, Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh asserted, “The situation has been contained. A curfew is now in effect in the areas affected by violence and other vulnerable locations for the next 36 hours. Anyone caught participating in riots will face strict repercussions.”
The curfew covers regions including Dargha Bazar, Mangalabag, Cantonment, Puri Ghat, Lalbag, Bidanasi, Markatnagar, CDA Phase II, Malgodown, Badambadi, Jagatpur, 42 Mouza, and Sadar police station jurisdictions.
Nevertheless, essential services such as medical facilities, milk supply, groceries, schools, and government offices remain exempted from the curfew.
The police confirmed that four individuals sustained injuries amid the violence that erupted during the Durga idol immersion procession on Friday night.