Bhubaneswar: The Congress stepped up its attack on the state government over firing on Health Minister Naba Das on Sunday with senior leader Santosh Singh Saluja demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Speaking to media on his reaction to the incident in Bhubaneswar, Saluja said, “My party strongly condemns the ghastly incident and pray for early recovery of Minister Naba Das. But it has raised question on safety and security of the people. If the government cannot ensure security to its minister, how would the common man of Odisha feel secured.”
The MLA of Kantabanji said firing on a minister by a policeman confirms failure of law and order in the state. “The law and order has completely collapsed and the government is unable to ensure it. How would the government justify the firing on a minister by an ASI?”
“Since the chief minister himself holds the Home portfolio, the Congress demands his resignation owning responsibility for the incident. It is a major incident that concerns the image of Odisha. My party holds the chief minister directly responsible for failing to provide protection to his Cabinet colleague,” said the MLA.
Earlier, Congress media wing chairman Ganeswar Behera and MLA Suresh Routray also the government responsible for the attack on the Health Minister by a police personnel. They said it has exposed the weakness of the government.
Alos Read: [Watch] Congress Holds Odisha Home Minister Responsible For Firing On Naba Das By Cop
