There is ‘Modern Democratic Political Slavery’ policy under CM Naveen's regime: Pradeep Panigrahy

A day after facing an egg attack, Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahy fired a salvo by stating that ‘Modern Democratic Political Slavery’ policy is prevailing under CM Naveen Patnaik's regime in Odisha. Many are being forced to adopt it and it is a curse for the people of the state.

"The 5T Secretary has adopted 'Modern Democratic Slavery Policy' by forcing the political leaders to give in to his slavery. Such an administration system has hurt many leaders including me. The administration has collapsed due to such kind of a policy,"alleged Panigrahy.

Accusing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of remaining silent, Panigrahy further said, “CM Naveen Patnaik is responsible for such a situation. It is difficult to accept how a person, who is the son of legendary Biju Patnaik, can do this. It doesn't look good for the son of great Biju Babu to remain silent when political slavery is being adopted in the State.”

Panigrahy urged ex-MPs, ex-MLAs, and retired administrative officials to express their honest views on this and speak up for whatever is right.

Condemning the egg attack on the MLA, senior Congress leader Bijay Patnaik said, "Whatever happened yesterday could be the fallout of infighting within the BJD. But the one, who was meted out with such an attack, is a people's representative. BJD does not have respect for people's representatives. BJD leaders have been given two options by the 5T secretary- to remain as a slave or go to jail."

BJD workers intercepted Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahy near the Lanjipalli flyover allegedly on Friday. A heated argument and a scuffle broke out between supporters of the lawmaker and the ruling party workers.

The 5T secretary VK Pandian launched a veiled attack on Gopalpur MLA, Pradeep Panigrahy during a public meeting at Kanishi in Ganjam yesterday.

Pandian said, "During Covid, a people's representative called the Chief Minister and said we should not allow the return of Ganjam people staying outside as it would worsen the Covid situation in the district. We should survive first then think about others. The CM got angry and asked us to ensure the safe return of the residents from outside."

Responding to such statements, Panigrahy today said, "There would be evidence of whatever he said during the Covid period with the CMO. Hence, CM should clarify on the matter."

Though no comments could be received from the CMO or the 5T Secretary, BJD leader Ramesh Chandra Chau Patnaik said, “Whatever Pandian said is true. When Ganjam district was struggling with COVID-19, Panigrahy and his friend were spending holidays in Mumbai and Delhi. Panigrahy wrote to the CM saying he does not know about their return and tried to skip responsibility. An MLA should take responsibility of their Constitution. But he tried to escape it.”