After the recent violence in Sambalpur, Odisha, there has been a war of words between leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The BJP has accused the BJD of having an anti-Hindu mindset and shielding the perpetrators of the violence. In response, the BJD has denied the allegations and condemned the BJP’s politics of religion.
Former State BJP President Sameer Mohanty questioned why the perpetrators of the violence had not yet been arrested and cited past incidents such as the disappearance of the Srimandir Ratna Bhandar key, conspiracy to stop Raja Jatra during Covid 19, and court rap for giving Lord Jagannath land to an entity. He also criticized the BJD’s visit to Odisha by Atiq Ahmed’s aide Guddu Muslim and accused a ruling party leader of having links with him.
BJD leader Parshuram Dhada denied the BJP’s allegations and condemned their politics of religion. The State Government has ordered an inquiry into the violence, and the final report will be submitted to the President after completion of the investigation.
It is essential to note that violence of any kind is unacceptable and goes against the fabric of a democratic society. The focus should be on bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future.