1 week Ago By [email protected](Mohammed Imteshal Karim)
Odisha Industries Minister and BJP legislator Sampad Swain launched a sharp attack on Biju Janata Dal ( BJD ) supremo Naveen Patnaik, calling his recent social media post ‘laughable’ in the wake of the attack on BJD leader Pranab Balabantray in Dharmasala of Jajpur district. The minister's biting remarks come amid a brewing controversy surrounding internal dissent and law and order within the BJD. Naveen Patnaik’s Reaction Called ‘Hypocritical’ On Sunday, Patnaik posted on social media condemning the violence against his party leader, calling for peace and discipline within political circles.
"The open and coordinated attack on former MLA from Dharamshala and youth leader of Biju Janata Dal, Shri Pranab Balawantray, shows the disastrous law and order situation in the state. If public representatives are not safe in the state, then there is a huge question mark over the safety of the common man. The inaction, stubborn, and one-sided attitude of the state government in stopping anti-social individuals and activities is further encouraging such incidents.
The government should take immediate and strict action against inciting political violence," Naveen tweeted. However, Industries Minister Sampad Swain was quick to dismiss the statement, calling it insincere and ironic. Sampad slammed Patnaik and said, "Where was Naveen Babu when incidents like Itishree, Bebina, or Mamita took place?" "What was the state of law and order then?” he questioned.
ALSO READ: Internal rift in BJD and resentment against VK Pandian; no one above Naveen Patnaik, say party leaders Further, he accused the BJD of ignoring repeated lapses in law and order during its long tenure and said such selective outrage now appears hollow. According to Swain, Patnaik's statement is a desperate attempt to do damage control as public trust in the party wanes. BJD Turning on Itself, Claims Minister Swain pointed out the irony that the attack on Balabantray was carried out by his own party workers.
“This should make Naveen Babu reflect on the collapse of discipline within his own party,” Swain said. “BJD has lost its grip over its own people. There is no structure, no internal unity left.
” Swain went on to suggest that the party is now on the verge of collapse, saying, “The BJD is heading toward extinction.”.
