Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Odisha Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Sunday, 4 October sharply condemned the alleged murderous assault on former legislator and senior party figure Pranab Kumar Balabantaray, demanding to know whether Odisha is governed by the rule of law or by criminals. The incident occurred during a BJD Jan Sampark Padayatra at Madhupurgada Gram Panchayat under Jenapur Police Station in Jajpur district.

What Allegedly Happened

According to the BJD, a group of approximately 40–50 persons armed with swords, axes, and other dangerous weapons allegedly attacked Balabantaray and his supporters around 3 pm on Sunday at Madhupurgada. The victim, a former Dharmasala MLA, subsequently filed a complaint with Jajpur Superintendent of Police Yashpratap Shrimal, seeking immediate registration of an FIR and stringent legal action against those named in the complaint and their unidentified associates. Balabantaray alleged that the attackers are supporters and associates of sitting Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo and members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Patnaik's Condemnation

Patnaik did not hold back in his criticism of the ruling dispensation. 'There are deadly attacks on public representatives in broad daylight, the police are silent, the government is silent — is goondaraj reigning in Odisha?' the BJD supremo said. He further questioned, 'A public representative is being subjected to a murderous attack in the presence of the police. Who is giving such courage to the criminals? Is Odisha run by the rule of law or by goons/criminals?'

He added that in the current BJP government, public representatives feel insecure and the safety of ordinary citizens is in jeopardy.

Targeting the BJP Government

Patnaik alleged that such incidents are occurring repeatedly in Dharmasala and across Odisha, yet the state government has not taken strong action against those responsible. He accused the BJP government of patronising criminal activities and raised pointed questions about the absence of exemplary punishment. 'The people of Odisha are watching everything and keeping an account of everything. They will give an appropriate reply to such anarchy and such misgovernance,' he remarked.

Political Context

The BJD, which governed Odisha for 24 consecutive years under Patnaik, lost power to the BJP in the 2024 state elections and has since occupied the opposition benches. Critics note that the party has been particularly vocal about law-and-order concerns as it seeks to rebuild its political standing. Notably, the alleged attack took place during a grassroots outreach programme, signalling the BJD's efforts to reconnect with voters on the ground. The BJP's response to these allegations had not been reported at the time of publication.

What Happens Next

The complaint filed with the Jajpur SP is expected to determine whether an FIR is registered against the accused. Political pressure from the BJD is likely to intensify if the police do not act swiftly, with the opposition already framing the incident as emblematic of broader governance failure under the current administration.