Political Tensions Rise in Odisha Amid Unrest

Political tensions in Odisha have escalated following recent communal clashes in Bhadrak triggered by an objectionable social media post. The ruling BJP and opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have exchanged sharp criticisms, with BJD accusing BJP of failing to maintain peace and citing four incidents of unrest in the first three months of the BJP's new term. In response, the BJP has pointed to past communal violence during Patnaik's long tenure as Chief Minister, questioning his governance and accusing him of inciting further unrest. BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal highlighted that Odisha had a high rate of communal riots in 2017, while Patnaik lamented the damage to Odisha's peaceful reputation and called for collective efforts to restore harmony. The situation has led to significant public unrest, prompting authorities to shut down mobile internet services in affected areas to prevent further violence.