Odisha Chief Minister Pledges Zero Political Protection for Criminals
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has firmly declared that his BJP government maintains a strict policy of no political protection for criminals, particularly emphasizing the state's commitment to combating violence against women during his 18-month tenure.
Zero Tolerance Policy on Women's Safety
Speaking during a debate on Home department grant demands in the state Assembly on Thursday, Majhi addressed growing concerns about women's safety. "Violence against women is very worrying. I personally would like no single incident against women to happen," the Chief Minister stated, acknowledging the gravity of the situation while defending his administration's approach.
The government has adopted what Majhi described as a "zero tolerance policy" toward crimes against women, despite facing criticism from opposition parties BJD and Congress over several high-profile cases including gang-rapes in Gopalpur and Baliharchandi districts, and tragic self-immolation incidents in Balasore and Puri.
Swift Justice and Police Reform
Majhi highlighted his administration's commitment to rapid prosecution of offenders, citing a recent case under the POCSO Act at Chandaka police station where the accused received a 20-year rigorous imprisonment sentence within just 37 days of case registration. This demonstrates what he termed the "high quality of investigation and professionalism" of Odisha Police.
"The criminal involved in violence against women will not be forgiven for a moment. The culprit will be made a government guest and kept in jail," Majhi declared, using strong language to emphasize his administration's stance.
Opposition Criticism and Political Tensions
The debate revealed significant political divisions over law enforcement approaches. BJD member Byomakesh Ray accused the government of allowing police stations to function "as BJP party offices" under political pressure, while Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam expressed particular concern about crimes against tribal, Dalit, and backward caste women.
"When Majhi became Chief Minister, the tribals and Dalits had a dream that they would be protected. But things are going against them," Kadam alleged, highlighting the intersection of crime and social justice issues.
Government's Reform Agenda
In response to criticism, Majhi challenged opponents to identify any case where his government provided political protection to accused individuals, contrasting this with what he characterized as the previous administration's approach. "The political protection licence that they had under the previous government has expired and there is no chance of its renewal," he stated emphatically.
BJP member Babu Singh supported the Chief Minister's claims, arguing that influential persons are now being prosecuted in criminal cases, which he suggested was not possible under the previous BJD government.
The Assembly subsequently passed the first supplementary grants for the Home and General Administration departments, indicating legislative support for the government's law enforcement approach despite ongoing political debates over implementation and effectiveness.