Sambalpur violence: Mudslinging between BJD, BJP continues

Even though peace has been restored in Sambalpur following violence during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, the opposition BJP and the ruling BJD are yet to refrain from mudslinging over the entire incident.

Launching a fresh attack against the BJD-led government, the saffron party said the untoward incident in the southern Odisha district, which prompted the State government to impose curfew and snap internet services to bring the situation under control, has left a black spot in governance in Odisha.

“The violence which was reported in Sambalpur was a result of incompetence of the police and administration. It is still unclear whether the police and administration were involved in the violence or they were incapable to manage the situation. No action has been taken against an official over the violence,” Odisha BJP general secretary, Prithviraj Harichandan said.

“The entire incident has left a black spot on governance in Odisha. The Odisha government has now become inefficient and the criminals are taking advantage of it,” the saffron party leader added.

On the other hand, the ruling BJD said restoring peace in violence-hit Sambalpur was our prime concern.

“While the situation is limping back to normalcy in Sambalpur, an attempt to escalate the tension is unfortunate. Social peace is really important for us. We are hopeful that no further tension will be reported in the district,” ruling-BJD MLA, Shashi Bhusan Behera said.