Governance In Odisha Captured By ‘Administrative Mafia’, Claims BJP

Bhubaneswar: Mounting a stinging attack on the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday alleged that governance in the state has been captured by administrative mafia.

Addressing a press meet in Bhubaneswar, Odisha BJP spokesperson Satyabrata Panda claimed that Naveen Patnaik government has been under the grip of several mafias during the last 23 years.

The government was controlled by different elements – from land mafia and liquor mafia to mine mafia – and one can now clearly see that it is captured by administrative or bureaucracy (prasasanik) mafia, the BJP leader claimed.

To substantiate his claim, the BJP leader released a purported audio clip of Mission Shakti and claimed that the IAS officer used some slang in her address to the department staff.

Panda further claimed that the official was putting pressure on Mission Shakti staff and asking them to work in accordance with the agenda of the ruling BJD.

Accusing the official of using ‘carrot and stick’ policy to make the employees work for the ruling party, the BJP leader claimed that Mission Shakti people were threatened about action if they fail to work for the benefit of the ruling party. Similarly, it was promised that those working for the party will be rewarded, he said.

Accusing the BJD government of using women members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) for its political work ahead of the next elections, Panda said the 5T Secretary is visiting every district and making fake promises of development.

While the 5T secretary is roaming in Odisha to hear grievances of the public on behalf of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the CM’s grievance cell has been shut for the public and has turned into a clubhouse of the ruling party, the BJP leader alleged.