Political blame game intensifies over Puri Violence

ONI Bureau: Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb has broken his silence and condemned the violence in Puri on 3rd of October during the Puri Bandh. He has demanded strong action against the guilty, saying he has been out of Odisha since October 3.

The Gajapati urged the Odisha Government conduct a proper investigation and punish the people responsible for disturbing peace and harmony in the holy city.

Meanwhile, BJP and Congress have criticised the Puri Police over the arrests made in connection with the violence. BJP leader KV Singhdeo alleged that police is arresting people after calling them to participate in peace committee meeting. Cops should arrest and punish those against whom they have evidences, he said. He also slammed Minister Maheswar Mohanty, saying he is trying gain sympathy by staging attack on his residence.

Senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra has slammed the administration for allowing things to worsen. He criticised the “unilateral” decision on ‘Dhadi Darshan’ and accused the Government of remaining a mute spectator. Mr. Mohapatra also alleged external conspiracy to disturb peace and harmony in Odisha and asked the State Govt to dig deeper to expose it.

PCC President Niranjan Patnaik has condemned the arrest of Congress workers in connection with the violence, saying the Puri Police is trying to defame his party. He slammed the state government over its alleged failure to protect the interests of Lord Jagannath. He also ridiculed the ‘ID Card System’ for darshan at the Srimandir.

Expelled BJD leader Dr. Damodar Rout also sought resignation of Maheswar Mohanty on moral ground while blaming the government and administration for the violent incidents.

Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty has directly blamed the BJP workers saying the police have evidences from CCTV footage to nail them.

13 more people have been arrested in connection with Puri violence today, taking the number of arrested people to 55.