Ex-Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Calls for Action Following Attack on BJD Legislator
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Synopsis
On April 13, Naveen Patnaik condemned the attack on BJD MLA Pranab Balabantaray in Jajpur district, questioning the state's law and order. He urged the BJP-led government to act decisively against the perpetrators of political violence, emphasizing the need for safety of public representatives.
Key Takeaways
- Naveen Patnaik questions law and order in Odisha.
- Calls for strict action against political violence.
- Attack on Pranab Balabantaray raises safety concerns.
- BJD links attackers to BJP supporters.
- Dharmasala MLA denies involvement of associates.
Bhubaneswar, April 13 (NationPress) In light of the assault on former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Pranab Balabantaray in Odisha's Jajpur district, the Leader of Opposition and party President Naveen Patnaik expressed serious concerns regarding the state’s law and order situation, calling on the BJP-led state government to take decisive measures against those involved in political violence.
"The shocking attack on the youthful BJD leader and former Dharmasala MLA, Pranab Balabantaray, during daylight highlights the alarming deterioration of law and order in the state. If public representatives are not safe, what does it mean for the safety of the ordinary citizen?" Patnaik posted on his X account.
Patnaik launched a fierce critique of the BJP government, asserting, "The state government's indifference, negligence, and biased approach towards controlling anti-social elements is further provoking such violent incidents. Immediate and strict action is required instead of allowing political violence to thrive."
Reports indicate that unidentified assailants armed with wooden and bamboo sticks as well as sharp weapons attacked the vehicle of the former legislator as he was en route to Aruha village in Dharmasala for a religious event on Sunday.
Upon receiving news of the attack, the Inspector In-Charge of Jenapur police station arrived with additional police personnel to manage the situation.
"Before I departed Bhubaneswar, I was informed of the impending attack. I alerted the Jajpur Superintendent of Police about the situation. This occurred in the presence of police, which is utterly disgraceful," Balabantaray claimed.
In a related development, the BJD alleged that the attackers were affiliated with the BJP and specifically linked to local Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo.
The BJD is demanding the swift arrest of those responsible for the incident.
Meanwhile, the Dharmasala MLA has denied any involvement of his associates in the incident, attributing the violence to a conflict between two factions within the local BJD organization.
