Congress Slams Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Accusing Him Of Promoting ‘Babudom’ & Ruining Democracy

Bhubaneswar: Mounting a blistering attack on Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over his statement in the Assembly, opposition Congress on Monday accused him of destroying democracy by promoting ‘babudom’.

Charging Naveen with working against democratic norms, veteran Congress leader Narasingha Mishra alleged that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government is rattled when questions are raised about the 5T secretary.

Responding to queries about the statement made by the Chief Minister in the Assembly, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Leader told reporters outside the House that the state is witnessing ‘Babudom’ – ‘gumasta rule’.

Claiming that democracy has been destroyed in Odisha, Mishra said the state is virtually ruled by ‘gumasta’ and not by elected government. Similar is the situation with the Central government led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he claimed.

Whoever is raising a voice against the government, is facing the consequences as action is being taken out of political vendetta, the Congress leader alleged. “The government has suppressed the voice of the media and taken away its freedom. The state government has become highly intolerant. It has crossed all limits.” Mishra alleged.

On CM’s lauding Narendra Modi government at Centre, the veteran Congress leader said the Chief Minister rated the Modi government 8 out of 10, but his party today raised NHAI issue in the Assembly and alleged negligence by the Centre. This shows that a mock fight is taking place outside the Assembly to fool people, Mishra said.

The Congress leader also lashed out at the government for rejecting adjournment motion notice on the status and role of Ministers and officers in the Assembly without any reason. When asked about 5T, the government is avoiding replying as it is scared to face such question, he claimed, adding that the Chief Minister is perhaps feeling helpless and therefore, he is sending his secretary to cover all constituencies to campaign.