The BJD criticized the Mohan Majhi government for its inaction against outgoing governor Raghubar Das’ son

Odisha CM Mohan Majhi (L) with former Governor of Odisha – Raghubar Das Photo Courtesy: Vishwaranjan Raut

A day after President Draupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Raghuvar Das as Odisha Governor, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday (Dec 25, 2024) criticized the Mohan Majhi-led government and alleged inaction against the outgoing governor’s son. Beating on Government Servants – Exposed Incompetence of the State Government.

“After the BJP government came to power, Mr. Das’s son was accused of beating up government employees and forcing them to lick their spit. Though the allegations were serious in nature, no action was taken against the culprits,” said BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty.

“The incident deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of the state. The BJD took up the issue strongly, disrupting the assembly proceedings and demanding swift action against the governor’s son. “Even though the state government directed the Puri District Collector to submit the report within 15 days, the directive remained only an announcement, after which no action was taken,” he said.

‘No one is above the law. From the very beginning of the BJP government in the state, there was a clear display of deteriorating law and order. Although the Center eventually replaced Raghuvar Das, questions persisted as to whether the law would take its course, especially regarding the allegations against his son,” the BJD wondered.

There was an alleged attack on the Raj Bhavan in Puri on July 7 during the visit of the President of India. Opposition parties BJD and Congress took to the streets demanding strict action against the attackers.

Outgoing Governor Raghubar Das in a press release expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Odisha for the love and happiness they have shown him during his 13 months in office. He said Odisha will always hold a special place in his heart and announced his resignation due to personal reasons. Mr. Das’s resignation had triggered widespread speculation that he would return to active politics.

“I will work honestly in whatever role my party assigns me,” Mr Das said after visiting the Sri Jagannath temple in Puri.

Shortly after Mr. Das assumed office as the Governor of Odisha, his extensive tour of various parts of the state last year sparked political controversy. The former Chief Minister of Jharkhand closed letters to the then CM Naveen Patnaik on the issue of good governance. The regional party criticized the visits, claiming they were politically motivated rather than aimed at addressing public grievances.