BJP demands Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik's resignation citing deterioration in law and order 

The State unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday demanded Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s resignation citing deterioration in the law and order situation in Odisha. 

Holding the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) responsible for the lawlessness in the State, the saffron party will launch a three-day-long protest starting February 14. The Saffron party will intensify its attack on the ruling BJD party by staging a demonstration in Bhubaneswar on February 14. 

Similarly, the party has decided to stage dharana in front of Collectors’ offices across the State on February 15. On February 16, the party will stage a demonstration in front of the Raj Bhawan and submit a memorandum to the President through the Governor. 

Taking a swipe at the ruling BJD party, senior BJP leader Bhrugu Baxipatra said, “During the 23 years of BJD rule, crimes like road robberies and sexual assaults have increased. Recently a powerful Cabinet minister was murdered. No condolence motion was moved in the cabinet either. Bureaucracy-controlled crimes are occurring. And to hide the facts, the police department which is completely in the State government’s thrall is being engaged. People are fed up with the State government for the way it is trying to divert the investigation into health minister Naba Das murder case. The Chief Minister has completely failed as Home Minister. He has to go. The government should go.”

In response, BJD leader Arun Sahoo said, “They (BJP) are trying to create an issue out of nowhere. We are fighting for the people, but they (BJP) are fighting for power.”