Bhubaneswar mayor and BJP MLA clash over city’s rising law and order issues

Bhubaneswar: Mayor Sulochana Das and BJP Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh clashed over the city’s law and order situation on Tuesday. This followed Das’ post on X, flagging Monday’s twin murders and a snatching incident as signs of rising challenges in ensuring safety of people.

Singh hit back, calling the concerns baseless and accusing Das of acting like a BJD spokesperson rather than a capital’s civic leader accountable for public safety. “Disturbed by reports of multiple violent incidents across Bhubaneswar yesterday — a city known for its peace, inclusivity, and progressive spirit. Our citizens deserve to feel safe — in both public and private spaces. I urge the state govt and Hon’ble CM @MohanMOdisha to take swift and decisive steps to restore the confidence of safety in the minds of common citizens, many of whom are now living in fear. As Mayor, my foremost priority is the well-being of every resident. Let’s unite to uphold the dignity, safety, and harmony of our Temple City,” Das’ X handle read.

Apart from the twin murders that shocked the city, President award-winning teacher Dwiti Chandra Sahu from Rayagada was brutally assaulted by a snatcher near the city railway station. The miscreant snatched Sahu’s phone injuring him seriously. The mayor linked the assault on senior OAS officer and BMC additional commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo to the failing law and order situation and took to the streets with BJD leaders demanding arrest of the culprits.

Countering the mayor, Singh said, “While every crime is a serious cause of concern, the situation improved after BJP came to power in Odisha. The mayor is speaking more like a BJD spokesperson. As mayor, she is also part of the administration, which has law and order responsibility. She should spell out how she has been contributing to a better Bhubaneswar instead of passing the blame. Under CM Mohan Charan Majhi’s leadership, Odisha is a safer place. The govt is responsive and has been taking firm action as per law to deal with every crime.”