Bhubaneswar, May 19: Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP government in Odisha, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order and allowing “goondaraj” to flourish in the state.

Reacting strongly to the recent brutal assault on a young couple on Giri Road in Berhampur, Patnaik said the shocking incident had deeply disturbed the people of Odisha. In a strongly worded statement, he described the daylight attack as “utterly inhuman” and alleged that the state was witnessing a dangerous rise in lawlessness.

“The BJP government has handed Odisha over to criminals. It no longer feels like governance but complete anarchy,” Patnaik said while questioning the functioning of the police administration and the state’s law enforcement machinery.

The former Chief Minister expressed concern over public safety and accused the government of failing to protect ordinary citizens. He said people need security and effective governance instead of “empty bombast” and political rhetoric.

Patnaik also alleged that Odisha’s image was being tarnished nationally due to the deteriorating law and order situation. He demanded immediate and strict action against those involved in the Berhampur assault case and urged the government to stop allegedly shielding criminals.

The statement came after a disturbing video showing a young couple being attacked with bamboo sticks by a group of youths on Giri Road under Baidyanathpur police limits went viral on social media.

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